Every driver knows that choosing good tires are very important. High quality tires provide safety of the drivers and passengers because they ensure better control over tea car. It is important to select and change tires depending on weather conditions of a given region. That means winter tires for snowy areas and all-season for mild winters.
Do I need to get my tires rotated?
No matter what the manufacturer is, all tires require maintenance, which includes regular tire rotation. Many drivers are convinced that tire rotation is not the most important routine. They check oil level, engine and other important things, leaving tires totally neglected. It is even possible to define those car, where tire rotation is not performed. Front wheels in such cars usually are black from accumulated brake dust. The reason is simple – from brakes are larger that rear. As the result, 80 percent of braking are done by front brakes.
Engine location, drive train, and even the condition of the road greatly contributes to uneven wear of tires. Most cars that you see on the road today have front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive systems. That means that they operate in front-drive all the time. Front tires of cars with front engines usually get under more load, which also leads to increase wear. Why? These cars carry more load than front tires because of transmission and engine that are placed in front. When the driver apply the brakes, more weight shifts forward considerably contributing to the load. Powering, braking and steering functionality the wheel also influences on uneven wear of front tires. It causes additional stress on front tires widening wear difference.
You will be surprised but location can affect tire wear too. For example, in the United States people drive on the right side of the road. Making more right-hand turns results greater wear of the left tire.
Even wear of tires is much better. All tires respond equally, the car can be handled and the tire cornering traction is increased. When all tires wear together, you can change all of them together and there is no need to change pairs. Changing all four tires allows maintain original handling balance.
As the results, there are many factors that impact tire wear. They include car drive, placement of the engine in the car as well as road condition. These factors also define which tire rotation type should be chosen, putting tire rotation on the list of a regular procedures.
How often do I need to get tires rotated?
Information on the frequency and rotation pattern is specified in car manual. Most drivers have their tires rotated every 6000 – 8000 miles but it is better to know the recommendations of the manufacturer. Mechanics strongly recommend to get tires rotated when getting the oil changed. Oil change has similar mileage interval, which allows combining both routines. It helps save time and to an important job.
Tire rotation patterns
Tire rotation means moving tire from one position to another to ensure even wear. The Tire and Rim Association has defined three main patters of tire rotation that are suitable for most cars.
- It is necessary to rotate tires in a forward cross pattern or the alternative X pattern on front – wheel drive cars.
- Tires are rotated in a rearward cross pattern or the same X pattern on rear-wheel drive cars. This pattern is also suitable for cars with four-wheel drive.
However, performance of modern tires and wheels has changed and two more patterns of tire rotations have occurred.
- The first pattern is called “Front-to-Rear”. This pattern is good for cars with the same size directional wheels.
- The second pattern is “Side-to-Side” and can be used for cars with different sized non-directional tires and wheels on the front axle.
Sometimes it happens that none of suggested tire rotation patterns helps eliminate uneven wear. In such case it is necessary to dismount and re-balance all tires. Dismounting, mounting and re-balancing is needed for cars with different size directional tires and wheels as well as wheel with various front and rear offsets.
Some mechanics state that there is five-tire rotation pattern. Many cars have a temporary spare, which is not included into tire rotation system. However, if a spare tire matches four wheels and tires on the ground, it definitely has to be included into the pattern. It is better to follow recommendations of the manufacturer regarding tire rotation. When recommendations are not available, follow these instructions:
- Rotate tire in a forward cross pattern on cars with front-wheel drive with full size matching spare.
- Rotate in a rearward cross pattern on cars with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive with full size matching.
Winter tire rotation
Winter tires are immensely important in regions where winters are harsh. Studded winter tires are a real help for drivers living in snowy regions because they provide safety of the driver and passengers. However, these tires also require good care. If you want to extend lifetime of winter tires, choose the right rotation pattern. In order to achieve better performance of studded tires during winter time, studded tires should be rotated on regular basis to ensure equal share of workload. Rotation of studded tires will ensure equal wear of all four tires in spite of additional stress and severe weather conditions.
Professional mechanic help
Tire rotation is important and must be done properly. That is why it is required to find a good mechanic, who can choose and then perform the right tire rotation pattern. If you get your tires rotated by one mechanic, the mechanic will remember technical specifications of the car, including driving style and rotation patters. A professional mechanic will ease your life so choose a certified one with considerable experience.
If you want to extend life time of your vehicle and its tires, make tire rotation a regular procedure. It will considerably help decrease uneven wear and damage to the wheels.