Tire Maintenance and Service Tips
Below is a complete tire service manifest of why vehicle tires must be rotated and what cost savings you will receive when you do this.
Why Rotate the Tires?
The front tires on almost every vehicle wear out faster than the rear ones. This is because of the effects of steering the vehicle and the weight transfer that occurs when braking. To ensure all four tires wear evenly, it is vital that you rotate them regularly. Tire rotation helps to maintain balanced handling, as it allows all the tires to wear at the same rate. However, you need to bear in mind, as tire wear reduces the tread depth, it will also increase the tires’ response to driver input.
Consequently, by equalizing wear at all corners, dry road performance will be significantly enhanced. Another advantage of rotation is it allows tires to be replaced in complete sets instead of in pairs. This ensures handling continuity. It will also allow drivers to take advantage of the latest tire technology instead of matching older tires.
How often should tires be rotated?
Most manufacturers will list rotation intervals in the maintenance section of the service manual or owner’s manual. However, if this information is not available for a specific vehicle, then you need to rotate your tires every six months or every 5,000 miles. After completing a tire rotation, make sure to check the inflation pressures and set them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
It could also be necessary to reset the Tire Pressure Monitoring System; this is important for the newer vehicles. Tire rotation does not correct irregular wear, worn suspension components, or wheel alignment. If these conditions are present, then an inspection is needed to determine the issues and repair the problem.
If you would like to make an appointment with a complete tire service, please feel free to contact AC Tires at (571) 901-3993 now if you live in the Alexandria, VA region.