Why is Tire Rotation Important?

Tire rotation is important because it helps extend the life of your tires and ensures that you get more out of your investment. So, what exactly does a tire rotation do? Tires don’t wear evenly, so rotating them every so often will prevent any one tire from wearing faster than the rest. Learn more about why tire rotation is important, and other service tips with our service team at Ken Garff Chevrolet in American Fork.

How Does Drivetrain Affect Tire Rotation?

Every time you accelerate, press the brake pedal, and turn your vehicle, you cause friction between your tires and the Pleasant Grove road. Your tires will wear out at different rates depending on the drivetrain your vehicle uses. Here are the different drivetrains and how they impact tire wear:

• Front-wheel drive vehicle: Engine power is directed to the front wheels, which are responsible for steering, starting, and most of the stopping force. Therefore, the front tires will wear out the fastest.
• Rear-wheel drive vehicle: Engine power is directed to the rear wheels, but the front wheels are still responsible for steering and much of braking. The rear tires will still wear out faster than the front tires, although at a generally slower rate.
• All-wheel drive vehicle (link to AWD blog or inventory page): Engine power is more evenly distributed, but there are many experts out there that maintain that the rear tires will still wear out faster.
• Intelligent all-wheel drive systems: Going around curves means different levels of strain and friction on the inside tires vs. outside tires. Some advanced all-wheel drive systems can even direct power to an individual wheel while driving around a curve for better cornering, which will further affect tire life.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

So, how often should you rotate your tires? On average, it’s recommended you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This will differ depending on the terrain you drive on, your driving habits, and a few other factors. If you’re unsure about the exact times to have your vehicle’s tires rotated, check your owner’s manual or contact our service team near Lehi.

What Happens if I Don’t Rotate My Tires?

If you don’t regularly rotate your tires, your tires will wear out faster than they should. If you fail to rotate your tires, they will need to be replaced more often, as well as cause the following:

• Poor traction and skidding on Eagle Mountain roads
• More rapid deterioration of brake pads
• Flat tires and blowouts

Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape at Ken Garff Chevrolet

Schedule service today when you’re ready to get your vehicle the service it needs. If you have questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact our team. After you’ve rotated your tires, are you looking to prepare for the winter season? Learn what to do if you get stranded in your vehicle during a snowstorm today with our experts!