Why and When Should Tires Be Rotated?

Posted: Nov 16, 2015
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

The wear on tires can become uneven for several reasons, one of the main ones being the vehicle’s weight dispersion, especially if it has a front-wheel drive. Poor alignment and incorrect tire pressure can also result in wear. In addition, because of weight distribution, the front tires usually wear quicker than the rear ones.

Tires give little warning that their tread is uneven. Taking into account that there should be no noise coming from them, listen out for a humming sound while driving on a smooth road. This is a good sign that it might be time for rotation.

Vehicle manufacturers usually recommend that tires be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. However, if you have 4-wheel drive, or you drive pretty hard, you should consider rotating them more frequently – say every 5,000 miles.

You might be wondering why rotation is needed so often. Well, for one thing, it is safer. If your front tires are bald, you could lose control of the steering and potentially cause a bad accident. When tires are rotated, your car’s handling will be more balanced and the braking more effective. Evenly worn tires also facilitate a smoother ride with better gas mileage and enhanced traction.

At Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center, we are proud to serve many communities in and around Hickory, NC. We specialize in auto repair, premier alignments and replacement tires. We also stock top-brand tires to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. For more info, please contact us.