Why is Tire Rotation Important?

Why do we rotate tires? What does rotating your tires do, exactly? The simple answer is that tire rotation helps to extend the life of your tires, so you can make the most out of your investment. As you drive from Cary to Raleigh and back each day, your tires are experiencing wear each time you brake, turn, or take off from a stop. Unfortunately, that wear doesn’t happen at even rates. As a solution, tire rotation is designed to prevent any single tire from wearing out more rapidly than the other three. In the guide below, Hendrick Buick GMC Cary’s service department provides more information on tire rotations.

Does Drivetrain Affect Tire Rotation?

Does your vehicle’s drivetrain type affect how and when tire rotation should be performed? Yes! The distinction between Front-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, and All-Wheel Drive directly impacts the rate at which your tire treads wear out.

  • FWD: On a FWD vehicle, engine power is directed to the front wheels. The front wheels are responsible for steering, starting, and the majority of braking force. As a result, the front tires wear out faster than the rear tires.
  • RWD: Driving a vehicle with RWD? This means your engine power is directed to the rear wheels. However, the front wheels remain responsible for steering and a decent portion of braking. Even so, the rear tires still experience more tread wear than the front tires, but it tends to happen at a less rapid rate.
  • AWD: AWD is designed to more evenly distribute engine power. The natural line of thinking would be that this means all four tires wear out evenly, but some experts maintain that even on an AWD vehicle, the rear tires wear out the fastest.

How Often to Rotate Tires

Tires should be rotated every six months or every 5,000-8,000 miles. This is simply an average interval – your driving habits might demand more or less frequent tire rotation. If you’d like to learn how often to rotate tires for your exact make and model, the best place to check is your owner’s manual.

What Could Happen if I Don’t Rotate My Tires?

Without regular tire rotation, you run the risk of your tires wearing out faster than the manufacturer intended. Not only does this mean you’re not making the most of your investment, but it can also affect your vehicle’s performance in the following ways:

  • Reduced traction leading to skidding on the Cary roads
  • Brake pads may deteriorate at a faster rate than expected
  • An unexpected flat tire or tire blowout

Schedule Tire Service at Hendrick Buick GMC Cary

Have additional questions related to “what does rotating your tires do?” Contact us to start a conversation with a service advisor. If you’re overdue for tire rotation, don’t delay any longer! Schedule a service appointment with Hendrick Buick GMC Cary after reviewing our ongoing service specials.

 

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