What is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is a crucial auto maintenance procedure that can help your car tires last as long as possible while also maintaining optimal wear patterns. Of course, different tire rotation procedures exist for different types of vehicles, depending mainly on what kind of driveline (AWD, 4WD, or 2WD) they offer. Read on below to learn more or contact our service experts now with questions.

So, What is Tire Rotation, Exactly?

Tire rotation is the process of strategically moving car tires from one position on a vehicle to another. Usually, front tires will move to the rear and rear tires will move to the front. Tires may also change sides, so what was the rear left tire will end up as the front right tire — this is called the tire rotation pattern. Here are some tire rotation basics:

• Most vehicles carry more weight at the front due to the engine, so front tires will typically wear out faster than rear tires. That said, the type of drivetrain your vehicle has will inevitably affect the rate at which your tires wear down relative to each other.
• In front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars, power is sent to the front axle and wheels to produce forward motion. It makes sense then, that in these vehicles, the front tires will wear down much sooner than they would in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or even four-wheel drive cars.
• Your vehicle’s tire rotation pattern will largely be dependent on whether it has FWD, RWD, or AWD. Another important note is to keep in mind whether your tires are directional or not.

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

Tire rotation has some pretty important functions for a vehicle and its overall performance and safety. Here are four top benefits of tire rotation:

1. Tire Rotation Prevents Blowouts: Tires fail more easily as they wear out. If you’ve ever had a blowout as you drive around Tinton Falls, you’ll know how frustrating (not to mention potentially dangerous) it can be. But regular tire rotation can help prevent blowouts.
2. Tire Rotation Maintains Traction: Sufficient tire tread depth helps optimize traction and allows a vehicle to grip the road correctly. A loss of tread depth means traction is reduced. Preventing uneven tire wear also helps ensure that all tires have the same amount of tread and optimal traction for inclement weather conditions or rough roads.
3. Tire Rotation Improves Performance: Tires with uneven wear often produce unseemly vibrations, which you’ll eventually feel through the steering wheel, making driving uncomfortable, and in some instances, downright dangerous.
4. Tire Rotation Maximizes Efficiency: Worn tires create drag, can strain the engine, and can also increase your fuel consumption/decrease your fuel economy.

Rely on DCH Ford of Eatontown for Tire Care Needs

Generally, tires should be rotated every six months or every 5,000 miles to 8,000 miles — whichever comes first. For many Long Branch and Red Bank drivers, getting tire rotation done alongside an oil change is the best course of action. Ready to rely on us for all your tire care needs? Schedule service online for top-notch tire service & maintenance in Eatontown!