Tire rotation is a recommended practice to ensure even wear and prolong the life of your tires which involves moving them from one position to another, usually by crossing them front to back and vice versa .
However, this may vary depending on vehicle type and tire configuration. This article tells you everything you need to know about tire rotation.
Why is tire rotation important?
Tires tend to wear unevenly. The front ones wear frequently on the outer edges as they bend when you turn. The rear tires just follow them, so they generally wear more evenly. If you leave the tires on, those outer edges of the front tires wear out much faster than the rest. You will therefore have to replace them thousands of kilometers earlier. Misalignment or unbalanced tires can also lead to uneven wear.
Once too worn, you will have to buy the Allopneus car tires to guarantee good grip and optimal road holding. Beyond safety, it is mandatory to have a depth of 1.6mm of rubber under penalty of a fine and/or refusal of coverage by your car insurance .
When should tires be rotated to reduce wear?
Tire manufacturers generally recommend rotating every 8,000 to 10,000 miles, but it’s best to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
The frequency of rotation may also depend on various factors such as type of driving, road conditions and vehicle geometry. If you notice uneven tire wear, it’s best to proceed sooner.
What are the additional benefits of tire rotation?
In addition to extending tire life, regular rotation can help detect alignment or suspension issues. If you notice abnormal wear during rotation, it may be necessary to have these items checked. Tire rotation can also contribute to more efficient fuel economy, as evenly worn tires provide better rolling resistance.
Factors that affect tire rotation frequency
Driving habits
Your driving habits play a large role in determining how often you should rotate your tires. If you drive regularly on bumpy roads or in off-road mode, your tires may wear out faster than if you drive mostly on smooth highways. Also, if you frequently haul heavy loads or tow a trailer, your tires may wear unevenly due to the extra weight on the rear wheels. In such cases, it is recommended to rotate them more frequently.
Vehicle type
The type of vehicle you drive also influences how often you should rotate your tires. For example, a front-wheel-drive car puts more stress on the front tires, causing them to wear out faster than the rear tires. Likewise, a rear-wheel-drive vehicle puts more stress on the rear tires, causing faster wear. In contrast, all-wheel-drive vehicles distribute weight evenly across all four tires, resulting in more even wear. Therefore, front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles may require more frequent tire rotations, while all-wheel-drive vehicles may require less frequent tire rotations.
Type of tires
The type of tires you have can also influence how often you should rotate them. For example, directional tires have a specific pattern designed to turn in one direction only. These tires cannot be rotated side to side, the only option is to move them front to rear or vice versa. Non-directional tires, on the other hand, can be turned in any direction, providing more flexibility in the rotation pattern. Likewise, some tires have a harder compound, while others have a softer compound that wears out faster. If you have tires with a soft compound, you may need to rotate them more often to avoid uneven wear.
Road conditions
The road conditions you face also affect how often you should rotate your tires. If you drive on roads with lots of potholes or debris, your tires may wear out faster than if you drive mostly on smooth roads. Also, if you drive frequently on wet or slippery roads, your tires may wear unevenly due to the added stress on the tread.