Tire rotation is an often overlooked yet important aspect of car maintenance. During this task, a technician will move the tires’ locations, like bringing the front set to the back or the left to the right. If you’re a first-time car owner and unfamiliar with this auto care task, use this guide to get informed.

Why Timely Rotations Are Essential

A car’s weight isn’t distributed evenly on all four corners, so rotations ensure the tires wear at the same rate. For example, the front tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle bear more weight and wear quicker than the rear set. Technicians will move the front tires to the back to give them a break and let the rear set endure the wear.

Rotations also encourage even wear patterns across the tread. As a result, this car maintenance task ensures better traction and extends your tires’ life span, saving you money on premature replacements.

When to Rotate Them

Schedule a rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles; this becomes easy to remember since the interval is similar to oil changes. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for any model-specific instructions for rotating tires, such as a unique recommended rotation pattern.

Look for visible indications of uneven wear, like if two tires look smoother than the others. If it’s time for a rotation, your vehicle steering wheel may vibrate when you drive over 45 miles per hour.

If your vehicle is due for a rotation, turn to the team at Chik’s Auto Air in Honolulu, HI. These car maintenance professionals have offered Oahu drivers with reliable tire rotations since 1972. They’re committed to providing high-quality customer service, and they’ll do their best to work efficiently so you can get back on the road.  For more information about their services, visit the website or call (808) 591-1726.