Getting a tire rotation is more important than you might think. Most car owners know to get their tires rotated as part of their basic maintenance schedule. But how do you know when it’s time for a rotation — especially if you’re not sure when you last had one done?
A qualified mechanic can provide an inspection and give some advice on what your car needs. But it’s also a good idea to know what to look out for so you can get your tires serviced as soon as necessary. So, how do you know when your tires need rotating?
Why Should You Get Your Tires Rotated?
Getting your tires rotated is a simple but essential part of maintaining your car. The general rule of thumb is to get them rotated about every 5,000 miles. In other words, get your tires rotated whenever you get your oil changed.
There are a few reasons it’s important to rotate your tires. First, rotating them ensures that they wear evenly. Uneven wear is a major hazard, which can lead to you losing traction on the road.
Wait, What if Your Tires Are Brand New?
That’s even more of a reason to get them rotated. Believe it or not, new tires are more susceptible to wearing down thanks to their high, even treads. This is all the more reason to take care of your vehicle right from the beginning.
Second, it prolongs the life of your tires. By keeping wear and tear spread out, it keeps tires in the best shape for as long as possible. And that keeps you safe on the road for longer — and avoids an expensive upgrade before it’s necessary.
Last, it keeps your tires working as a team. Even equal wear means your tires work more or less the same. And that means that your car will handle better, brake better, and maintain traction on the road.
How to Know When Your Tires Need Rotating
There are times when drivers might not know when their last oil change was or even how many miles their car has on it. If this is the case, there are a few sure signs that it’s time for a tire rotation.
Uneven Wear
One of the most classic signs that it’s time for tire rotation is uneven wear. This can be trickier to spot than you might think!
This usually means that the front tires on your car are wearing away faster than the back ones. You might also notice that one of your tires is more worn on one side than on the other. That’s a sign that you need to take quick action.
Shaking
When your tires are wearing out, you might notice your vehicle shaking when you hit the highway. This will become especially noticeable as you climb to speeds above 45 miles per hour. This is usually a sign that your tires need to be rotated, balanced, or aligned. Or sometimes all three.
Air Loss
Want to know how to know when your tires need rotating? Just take a look at your tire pressure. It’s a good idea to check your tires regularly. But if you notice that one of them is losing air faster than the others, it’s probably getting more wear.
Tire Rotation: A Simple Way to Stay Safe
In 2017, the NHTSA launched the TireWise Safety Campaign. Statistics showed that 11,000 car crashes each year were related to poor tire maintenance. One essential part of the campaign was encouraging regular tire rotation.
Learning how to know when your tires need rotating is just the first step. Don’t wait to make an appointment if you notice uneven tire wear or know it’s been 5,000 miles since your last rotation. Contact Mountain View Automotive at 720-740-5257 to schedule your tire rotation.