What is Tire Rotation and How Does it Help My Car?

If you check out your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, it’ll probably tell you to have the tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Diligent car owners make sure to follow that rule, but what is tire rotation, exactly? What does tire rotation do for your tires and your vehicle? For starters, it helps maintain the good traction on the road in Rogers, but that’s not all tire rotation is designed for. Learn more about the importance of routine rotations with the Cornerstone Chevrolet service center!

First, What Does Rotating Tires Mean?

Before we dive further into what tire rotation does, we must answer this other common question: what does rotating tires mean? Put simply, tire rotation means you’re switching the position of the front and rear tires. But it’s often not as simple as moving the front tires straight to the back and the rear tires straight to the front. Depending on your drivetrain, either the front or the rear tires will also need to be switched to the other side of the vehicle when you move them. This is known as a tire rotation pattern. For example, if your car has front-wheel drive, the rear tires switch sides when they move to the front, but the front tires will stay on the same side when they move to the back. 

Here are a few more quick facts about what rotating tires means: 

• Most vehicles on the road in Buffalo are front-heavy, which can cause the front tires to wear out faster. However, your car’s drivetrain can also affect the rate of wear for each tire. 
• A vehicle with FWD will receive most of its engine power at the front axle and wheels, thus causing the front tires to wear out faster. This same logic can be applied respectively to cars with rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. 
• The tire rotation pattern is designed with the drivetrain and its effect on tire wear in mind. 

What Does Tire Rotation Do for My Driving Experience? 

With so many different factors at play, it’s common for tires to wear out at uneven rates. This is why tire rotation is so important; it’s your best shot at keeping the tire tread relatively even across all four tires. Here’s a closer look at what tire rotation is designed to do for your driving experience in St. Cloud: 

• Helps with Road Traction: The more your tires wear out, the more tread depth they lose. When tread depth is lost, road traction is reduced. Without good traction, your safety could be at risk during wet, icy, or otherwise hazardous conditions. Tire rotation helps prevent uneven tire wear, so all your tires have the same tread depth. 
• Protects Against Blowouts: Tire failure becomes more likely as your tires wear out. A tire blowout can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, leading to a dangerous situation on the road. Tire rotation ensures all four tires wear out at a safe rate.
• Smoother Ride Quality: If one of your tires has more wear than the others, you’ll start to feel it in your ride quality. Regular tire rotation ensures a smooth driving experience with every trip. 
• Maintains Efficiency: Keeping the tread wear even across all four tires helps reduce drag and prevents engine strain, which helps maintain good fuel economy. 

Schedule Tire Service at Cornerstone Chevrolet

Has it been over 7,500 miles since your last tire rotation? If you’re overdue or can’t remember the last time you had this essential service performed, schedule an appointment at Cornerstone Chevrolet! We’ll have you in and out in no time, so you can get back to driving comfortably in Monticello. Before your visit, be sure to check our service specials for tire service coupons and more! Looking for more tire service tips? Take a look at our guide on how to reset a tire pressure light.