Of the many maintenance tasks that are required to keep your vehicle in top shape, few come up more frequently than a tire rotation. While this may seem like a relatively minor concern, rotating your tires on a regular basis will lead to long-term savings. Here’s why you should make this maintenance a priority.

What Makes Tire Rotations So Important?

As you drive, your tires will naturally experience tread wear. However, because the front tires are more involved in the turning process, they will typically wear somewhat unevenly along their outside edges. The rear tires, on the other hand, will experience more even wear.

If you don’t follow tire rotation guidelines, the front tires could wear out much faster than your rear tires, which could hurt your vehicle’s gas mileage and handling. The increased vibrations that often accompany excessive tire wear could also damage your suspension. Consistent tire rotations ensure that all four tires experience tread wear at an even rate, which will extend their lifespan by tens of thousands of miles.

How Often Do You Need a Tire Rotation?

Though following tire rotation guidelines can help you save money in the long run, many drivers skip this maintenance step simply because they aren’t sure when it should be done. As with other car care tasks, you can find specific mileage recommendations in your owner’s manual.

Generally speaking, however, it is best to schedule a tire rotation at the same time you get an oil change. These services typically have the same recommended frequency—often around 5,000 miles or 6 months—and taking care of both at the same time will make them easier to remember.

If it’s time for your car’s next tire rotation, visit Estep Tire & Auto Center. Serving Mercer County, WV, since 1990, this family-owned auto repair shop offers reliable diagnostic and repair services, as well as replacement tires from top brands like Goodyear® and Firestone. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, visit them online or call (304) 325-9134.