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Rotating your vehicle’s tires is a critical aspect of auto maintenance because it prevents them from wearing down unevenly. Front and rear tires face different demands, but rotation helps them maintain the same tread so you get more use from your set and enjoy a smoother ride. Since the process and timing vary from vehicle to vehicle, an auto mechanic answers frequently asked questions about tire rotation.

Tire Rotation FAQs & Answers

How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?

According to Michelin®, you should rotate your car’s tires at least every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. Since vehicles and manufacturer recommendations vary, check your manual to see if they suggest another schedule. 

How Are Tires Rotated?

During this process, each tire is removed by an auto mechanic and relocated to another position, ensuring the even tread necessary for long-term wear. While the task used to be simple, it has become more complicated with the use of a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). While this technology ensures proper inflation and increased gas mileage, it makes it harder to rotate tires.

Why Does TPMS Make Rotation Difficult?

Auto mechanic Kannapolis NCThe trouble is due to the TPMS sensor in each tire — they’re marked by the car’s computer so it knows which is which. The computer differentiates the left front tire from the right front and rear tires, but that makes rotating them difficult. Once you start the job, the computer can’t tell which tire is which until you reset the system.

Should You Rotate Tires Yourself?

Resetting TPMS technology requires the use of a scanning tool that’s hard to use without training and practice. If you have an older vehicle that doesn’t have TPMS, basic supplies like floor jacks and hand tools make rotation easy enough to handle on your own if you’re mechanically adept. If you’re not sure what to do, take your car to an auto mechanic who will rotate its tires correctly.

 

Brothers Tire Sales in Kannapolis, NC, is the area’s premier source for tires, offering name brands like Michelin and BF Goodrich®. No matter the vehicle you drive, you’ll find what you need at an affordable price in their impressive inventory. They also provide expert auto maintenance so you’ll drive away in a safe, smooth-operating vehicle. Visit their website for more information about their products and services and call (704) 933-2203 to request a quote from an auto mechanic.

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