What is Tire Rotation?

Rotating a vehicle’s tires is an important part of its routine maintenance menu. You’re probably already well aware of that. But what exactly is tire rotation? What does tire rotation do, in detail? Learn all about this crucial vehicle maintenance task now with Crown Buick GMC! Then, when you’re ready, schedule service online or just contact us with questions.

What is Tire Rotation, Exactly? Here are the Details

Tire rotation involves having your tires moved from one position to another. Usually, the front tires are moved to the rear, and the rear tires are moved to the front. Where tires move, exactly, is called the vehicle’s tire rotation pattern. Here are some basics to know:

• Most cars carry more weight at the front, so front tires will typically wear out faster, but the type of drivetrain your vehicle has will also have an effect on tire wear patterns.
• In front-wheel drive vehicles, power is sent to the front axle and wheels to produce forward motion. This makes the front tires wear down faster than they would in a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or even four-wheel drive.
• Your vehicle’s drivetrain will also affect the tire rotation pattern. Some vehicles have two tires rotated in an “X” pattern, and the others moved straight back or forward. 

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

Tire rotation has numerous benefits, including the ones listed below:

• Maximizes Efficiency: Worn tires create drag, strain the engine, and increase your fuel consumption. Preventing premature or uneven wear via tire rotations can, thus, help you maximize efficiency on Metairie roads.
• Prevents Blowouts: Tires become more likely to fail as they get worn down. Tire blowouts can eventually occur. By promoting even wear via regular tire rotation, you lessen the likelihood of a blowout.
• Maintains Traction: As tires wear down, they lose their tread slowly. A loss of tread depth, in turn, results in a loss of traction. This can lessen the control you have over your vehicle. Preventing uneven tire wear helps you maintain even tread wear and, thus, more stable traction.
• Improves Performance: Tires working together that have uneven wear often produce vibration, which you can often feel through the steering wheel, making for an uncomfortable drive.

Choose Crown Buick GMC for Your Tire Care Needs.

Now that you know about the importance of tire rotation and can confidently answer the questions “What is tire rotation” and “What does tire rotation do?” you may be wondering how often you should rotate your tires. Usually, every time you have or oil changed (or about 5,000 to 7,500 miles) is a good guideline to follow. If your tire ruptures during your commute, learn how long you can drive on a spare tire! But if you have any questions, whatsoever, just contact our service experts or schedule tire rotation service online!