How Often Should Tires Be Rotated?
Being as tires are the only thing between you and the tarmac, ensuring you look after them is an essential element of motoring. And one such way you can do this is by regular tire rotation. Not only does it help optimize your vehicle handling and safety, but it also reduces the necessity for premature tire replacement. The correct rotation of your vehicle’s tires can add thousands of road miles to 
their life span.
The following details everything you need to know about optimal tire rotation.
- Rotate every 5,000 to 8,000 miles: Of course, depending on how high your mileage is this could mean you only need to rotate once a year. For those who hit the road on a daily basis, it could be as often as once a month.
- Warranties are only valid if tires are rotated: This is something that often comes as a surprise, but if you get premature wear to a tire or tires and you’ve not rotated them, then you won’t be able to blame the manufacturer. And that can be a costly mistake…
- Rotating tires keeps your car safe: Those four simple pieces of rubber are what ensures your car handles correctly and allows you to corner and brake safely. Correct tire rotation facilitates predictable handling and dramatically reduces the chance of accidents.
- It makes them last longer: And therefore saves your hard earned cash! Poor maintenance and the failure to regularly rotate will lead to uneven wear. In the worst case scenario, the lifespan of a tire can literally be halved if you fail to give them the necessary TLC. And with many tires costing hundreds of dollars, this is definitely an expense that we can all do without.
So what actually happens when I rotate the tires?
Without going into too much technical detail, it’s all down to physics. Every time you drive the parts of the tires in contact with the road come under different external forces. Depending on which corner of the car the tire is located, the tread will be worn more in one area than another.
Front wheel drive cars have more force (and therefore wear) to the front tires, and vice versa for rear wheel drive. We all drive in different manners, and even without knowing it we all favor a particular side. This means that all drivers put their car under slightly more force on bends and turns on one side compared to the other.
By regularly rotating the tires this uneven wear is smoothed out, and you don’t end up with unequally worn tire treads.
In addition, you should also ensure tire pressures are checked regularly and keep a constant eye on the condition of your car tires, repairing or replacing any damage should it occur.
Can I rotate the tires myself?
For anyone who’s reasonably competent around cars, it’s absolutely possible to do this yourself. However, for most of us, it’s something we’d prefer to leave to the pros. Jiffy Lube is a well-respected national name for everything to do with tire health, and will happily carry out the chore or advise when it might need to be done.
With over 2,000 locations throughout North America, whether you’re looking for Jiffy Lube in Washingham, Orlando, Clearwater, or anywhere else in the US, their friendly teams can be relied on for quick and efficient tire rotation.