What is Tire Rotation?

What is tire rotation? We receive this question a lot at the Auburn Chevrolet service department. This routine maintenance task helps prevent uneven tire wear so that you get the most out of your set of tires in Auburn, Maple Valley, and beyond. What does tire rotation do? We explore the importance of this service in the guide below.

What Does Rotating Tires Mean?

So, what is tire rotation exactly? During this service, tires are moved from one position on the vehicle to another. For most vehicles, the front tires will move to the rear and the rear tires will move to the front. They may also change sides, which is known as the tire rotation pattern.

• Most cars carry a majority of their weight at the front, causing the front tires to wear down more rapidly. The type of drivetrain your vehicle has also plays a role in how your tires wear down over time.
• If you drive a front-wheel drive vehicle, for example, most of the power is sent to the front axle and wheels. The tires at the front that receive the bulk of the engine power wear down sooner.
• Your vehicle’s drivetrain will affect the tire rotation pattern. Following the correct rotation pattern ensures that no tire wears down too fast compared to the whole set of tires.

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

• Maintains Traction: Tread depth decreases over time as your tires wear down on the roads of Covington. Having enough tread depth is essential for proper traction and safe driving.
• Prevents Blowouts: As tires wear down, they are more likely to fail. Tire blowouts are both costly and potentially dangerous.
• Improves Performance: Tires that have worn unevenly often produce vibration in the steering wheel.
• Maximizes Efficiency: Worn tires create drag and put unnecessary strain on the engine. This leads to higher fuel consumption.

Turn to Auburn Chevrolet for Top-Notch Tire Care

Tires should be rotated every six months or every 5,000 miles to 8,000 miles — whichever comes first. If it is time for your next tire rotation, set up an appointment with our service experts. You can also contact us with any questions.