Our vehicle’s tires are the only contact we have to the road surface beneath us. This is why it is important to keep these round, rubber patches in top form. There are many ways to do this, such as visually inspecting to ensure there are no cuts, making sure that they are properly inflated, and the like. Yet one of the most overlooked procedures is tire rotation.
For folks who take the time to read their vehicle owner’s manual, it is likely that they;ve come across the section on tire rotation. This part gives one the basics on when to perform this procedure, and how it is done. But for everyone’s benefit, what exactly is tire rotation? And why perform it in the first place?
Tire rotation is when each of the four tires is moved from one wheel to another, from left to right, or from front to back and vice-versa. Manufacturers and tire makers will usually provide the recommended pattern that is suitable for a certain vehicle, as well as when it should be done.
In essence, this procedure is done to help distribute tire wear evenly between each tire. It’s no secret that the front tires tend to wear faster, particularly at the edges, then those at the rear. This is due to the amount of work they need to do, more specifically, steering the vehicle. To help keep this wear at bay, and to even out tread life, tire rotation is usually the answer.
Beyond helping to ensure even wear, tire rotation also has other tangible benefits. It helps give a smoother ride. It likewise helps provide more stable and surefooted handling. And yes, it will help you save money as it will extend your tires’ life.
While tire rotation can be a do-it-yourself procedure, those of you that aren’t too sure on how to perform it should have it done at a reputable service center. Either way, this procedure should be done on a regular basis. After all, caring for your vehicle’s tires is the best way to ensure that they’ll do the same for you—keeping your vehicle shiny side-up while on the move.
