What are tire rotations, why are they important to my vehicle, and what should I be aware of?

Tire rotations are a simple maintenance procedure where each tire's position on the vehicle is moved to a new location, such as swapping front to back or diagonally. The goal is to ensure that all four tires wear down at a similar rate, rather than allowing one or two to wear out prematurely.  

Why They Are Important

· Extended Tire Life: By equalizing the wear from steering, braking, and engine power, rotations maximize the lifespan of your tires.

· Enhanced Safety: Evenly worn tires provide consistent traction and more predictable handling, especially on wet or icy roads.

· Fuel Efficiency: Uneven tread can increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Regular rotations maintain optimal gas mileage.

· Warranty Compliance: Many tire manufacturers require proof of regular rotations to keep your tread-life warranty active.

· Drivetrain Protection: For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, consistent tread depth across all tires is critical to avoid placing undue stress on expensive drivetrain components. 

What to Be Aware Of

· Intervals:

o Standard Rule: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (often aligned with your oil change).

· Rotation Patterns:

o Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Front tires move straight back; rear tires move forward and switch sides.

o Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Rear tires move straight forward; front tires move back and switch sides.

o Directional Tires: These have arrows on the sidewall and can only be moved front-to-back on the same side.

· Warning Signs: Watch for vibrations in the steering wheel, a "thumping" or "rumbling" sound (often called "cupping"), or visible differences in tread depth between your front and rear tires.