How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

One of the most common questions we’ve received from Fairmont drivers has been, “How often should you rotate your tires?” Many auto experts recommend a tire rotation schedule of 5,000-7,500 miles, yet this should only be considered a ground rule. However, the best time to rotate your tires varies depending on your drivetrain, tire type, and even your driving habits. Read on with Dan Cava's GMC to learn how many miles to rotate tires!

When to Rotate Tires on FWD and RWD Vehicles 

So, how often should you rotate your tires? Well, this depends on the type of vehicle you have and the distribution of power. If you have a front-wheel drive (FWD), power will go to the front tires. Meanwhile, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) models, power is directed towards your rear tires. 

Whichever tires receive the power will naturally wear out faster than the others. This is why we rotate tires, to ensure an even rate of wear across all four. Whether you have an RWD or FWD vehicle around Morgantown, check out these helpful tips:

• The standard 5,000-7,500 mile interval applies to FWD and RWD tire rotation schedules. However, you should review your owner’s manual as it may vary according to your vehicle.
• When rotating tires on your FWD vehicle, you need to follow the correct rotation pattern: Your rear right tire moves to the front left and the rear left tire moves to the front right. Your front tires can remain on the same side when moved to the back.
• For those with an RWD car, just invert the abovementioned pattern! You will move the front right tire to the rear left, and the front left tire to the rear right. Then, your rear tires will stay on the same side when moved to the front. 
• Your driving habits around Morgantown will also affect how many miles it takes to rotate your tires. For those who log consistent high-mileage or off-road driving, this will wear your tires out faster, requiring more frequent rotations. 

How Many Miles to Rotate Tires On AWD Vehicles

How often should you rotate your tires if your vehicle is all-wheel drive? AWD vehicles will distribute power to all four tires based on your changing road conditions, meaning each tire might wear out at different rates. For this reason, auto experts recommend rotating tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles on AWD vehicles. You should double-check your owner’s manual to confirm when to rotate tires on your model.

Why is Tire Rotation Important? 

In the same vein as oil changes, tire rotations are considered an inconvenient but incredibly essential service item. Beyond making sure your tires last as long as they should on Grafton roadways, routine tire rotations provide the following:

• Less road noise
• Optimal traction if the roads are uneven or slick
• Relief of unnecessary strain on your vehicle’s drivetrain

At the same time, maintaining the right tire pressure is crucial to preventing uneven or rapid tire wear. If your vehicle’s TPMS warns you of low tire pressure, don’t wait long to refill your afflicted tire(s).

Schedule a Tire Rotation in Bridgeport Today! 

Now that you know when to rotate tires, perhaps it’s time to schedule a tire rotation at Dan Cava's GMC! Call us at (304) 652-5736 or reach out online to make an appointment. You can also browse our ever-rotating service specials to see if you can save money on your next visit. Whether it’s tire rotations or replacing brake pads, Dan Cava's GMC is the dealership to choose!