What Is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is performed to prevent any one tire from wearing down too quickly, thereby extending the life of the entire set of tires over time. This process is important for maintaining traction, preventing blowouts, and even improving fuel economy on Sparta roads. Learn more about tire rotation with Freedom Automotive, and contact us if you have any questions or want to get more car care tips.

What Does Rotating Tires Mean?

Tire rotation is easy enough to understand: tires are moved from one position on a vehicle to another. In most cases, the front tires will move to the rear and the rear tires will move to the front. They 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 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 affect the rate at which each tire wears down.
• For example, in front-wheel drive vehicles, power is sent to the front axle and wheels to produce forward motion. Therefore, the front tires will wear down faster than they would in rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, or four-wheel-drive models.
• This also means that your vehicle’s drivetrain will affect the tire rotation pattern to ensure that no tire wears down faster than the others.

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

• Maintains Traction: As tires wear, they lose tread depth. A loss of tread depth reduces traction, which can interfere with your ability to control the vehicle in certain situations. Preventing uneven tire wear helps ensure that all tires have the same amount of tread.
• Prevents Blowouts: Tires are more likely to fail as they wear down. If you’ve ever had one blowout as you drive around West Salem, you’ll know how unpleasant and potentially dangerous it can be.
• Improves Performance: Tires working together that have uneven wear often produce vibration, which you’ll eventually feel through the steering wheel.
• Maximizes Efficiency: Worn tires create drag, strain the engine, and increase your fuel consumption.

Rely On Freedom Automotive For Tire Care Needs

Generally, tires should be rotated every six months or every 5,000 miles to 8,000 miles—whichever comes first. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for model-specific information, and when it’s time for your next tire rotation in Viroqua, rely on your local authorized service center! You can also check our rotating service specials to save on your next visit.