Like the engine oil and other fluids in your car, your tires need routine maintenance to keep them in good shape. A tire rotation is the service that should be completed, and it’s the process of changing where tires are installed on your vehicle so they wear evenly. Your car manufacturer specifies how often a tire rotation should be performed which is usually around 5,000 miles or every six months, but it certainly varies by brand. And for most car owners, rotating the tires will coincide with when your oil change is due also.
Whether you need a simple tire rotation or a complete service package, the team at Xavier’s Auto Center is ready to help. We’re the best voice to keep your vehicle running its best in the Philadelphia area with a family-like environment and expert service.
Why is a Tire Rotation Important?
Whether you drive a front-wheel-drive vehicle or it’s rear-wheel-drive, 4WD, or AWD, the tires will wear unevenly. That’s because the front tires perform around 70% of your vehicle’s braking, all of the steering, and they could also be your drive wheels. When tires have uneven wear, it’s easier to lose control when cornering or your tires may not grip properly to stop you like normal. A tire rotation will extend the life of your tires and keep them functioning as they should for longer.
It’s especially important in the early stages of a tire’s life since the deep tread is more susceptible to wear from braking and cornering. Rotating the tires spreads the wear more evenly across all four of the tires. As a result, you can use the same set of tires for longer, saving money on tire replacement.
Also, if you drive a vehicle equipped with all-wheel-drive, uneven tire wear can contribute to extra strain on the drivetrain. Keeping the wear even with a tire rotation can prevent premature failure on expensive drivetrain components.
Which Tire Rotation Patterns Should You Use?
Do you use the rearward cross method, a cross pattern, or simply front and rear tire swaps? There isn’t a set procedure that’s best for every vehicle. It depends if you have directional or non-directional tires, or if you have a full size spare. Although the most common is moving the tires on the front axle to the rear position and the rear axle tires and wheels to the front, tire wear sometimes dictates that side-to-side swaps are necessary too.
At Xavier’s Auto Center, we rotate your tires according to approved patterns by the Tire and Rim Association, assuring you that your tires are in the best shape at all times. We’ll inspect your tires and wheels for damage along with a visual brake, suspension, and steering check. Let us take care of all your maintenance needs, from bumper to bumper.