Blowouts and flat tires keep towing companies busy year-round. Not only are these situations inconvenient for drivers, but they're also incredibly dangerous. Thankfully, avoiding such problems is often as easy as staying on top of your tire rotation schedule. Here's a closer look at why this simple process is so critical.

Why You Should Rotate Your Tires

One of the primary reasons to reposition tires is achieving even tread wear. All four of the vehicle's wheel positions cause a different level and area of wear on a tire because of weight distribution and location. By moving them regularly, you can balance the tread usage and extend the life of your tires. It also reduces the risk of needing a towing company as a result of a flat or blowout.

Along with saving money, even tread also improves road safety. Tire tread provides traction, which allows you to maintain control of the vehicle. However, uneven wear reduces grip, which impacts performance and safety. As such, you should rotate your tires around every 5,000 miles or so.

Which Tire Rotation Pattern to Follow

There are three main transition patterns for rotation: rearward cross, forward cross, and X pattern. The one you choose for your vehicle is based on your type of drivetrain. Rearward cross rotation is recommended for four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, which involves moving the back tires to the front and the front tires diagonally back. Front-wheel-drive vehicles can utilize forward cross—front to back and back diagonally front—or the X pattern, which moves both sets diagonally forward or backward.

The exceptions to these main sets of rules are for vehicles with either different-sized or directional tires. For the former, the tire rotation involves side-to-side movement. Vehicles with directional tires, on the other hand, simply make the switch from front to back—and vice versa—while keeping the tires on the same side.

When unexpected issues happen on the road, turn to Patriot Towing in Washington, MO, for fast, friendly, and affordable assistance. The local towing company offers emergency vehicle transport and roadside assistance across Franklin County and the surrounding areas. Learn more about their 24-hour towing services online, and request help today at (636) 392-5070.