Your vehicle tires experience significant wear and tear from being in direct contact with the road, so make sure they receive the attention and care they deserve. Along with keeping the tires properly inflated, balanced, and aligned, having them rotated is an essential part of routine auto maintenance—ignoring this service can result in costly and dangerous consequences. Here’s why rotations are necessary and when it’s time to visit your mechanic.

A Car Owner’s Guide to Tire Rotations

Why Is Tire Rotation Important?

Your tires experience wear every time you make a turn, go around a curve, or accelerate, but they all wear down at varying speeds depending on the type of drivetrain you have. Tires need to be repositioned periodically so that they can even out their wear, which will maximize their life span and improve your vehicle’s performance.

Including rotations in your regular auto maintenance schedule is also important for your safety. If you don’t keep up with this task, the tires become more susceptible to flats and losing traction, which will make your car more prone to skidding.

How Often Should It Be Done?

In most cases, vehicle manufacturers recommend rotating the tires every six months or 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This is often on the same schedule as other auto maintenance services, like oil changes, which makes it easy to remember.

However, you’ll need to consider the specific car you drive, the kind of tires you have, and your annual mileage to determine how long you can go between rotations. Additionally, if you notice vibrations when driving, one tire with more wear than the others, or a tire that’s losing pressure, your set may need to be rotated immediately.

If it’s time for your tires to be rotated, contact the skilled team at Sumida’s Auto Repair in Honolulu, HI. For over 15 years, their ASE-certified technicians have helped Oahu drivers keep their vehicles in optimal condition. Call (808) 533-2994 to make an appointment, or learn more about their services online.