What is a Tire Rotation?

Whether you drive a sedan or SUV, regular tire rotations are a vital part of any recommended vehicle maintenance plan. But, some drivers in Moose Jaw and Estevan find themselves wondering, “Just what is a tire rotation?” Tire rotations simply involve rotating each tire from one position to another on your vehicle. This quick service has numerous benefits, ranging from better tire longevity to better fuel economy. Let’s do a deep dive into what rotating tires means, and find out how often you should schedule this essential maintenance service.

What Does Rotating Tires Mean?

So, what does rotating tires mean for you? That depends on your vehicle. While the process of a tire rotation is fairly straightforward, different vehicles have different needs based on drivetrain configuration. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• What does tire rotation do? Most cars carry the bulk of their weight toward the front because that’s where the engine is. This means the front tires experience more pressure as you drive.
• Your vehicle’s drivetrain also plays a big role in how your tires wear. Not only do front-wheel drive models deal with extra weight toward the front of the vehicle, but they also send engine power exclusively to the front tires. This means the front tires are in danger of wearing out much faster than the rear tires.
• Because of this, your technician will select a tire rotation pattern based on your specific drivetrain and driving habits. This means you’ll get a longer life out of each tire, which saves you money in the long run!

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

• Maintains Traction: Your tread is responsible for gripping the roads, which keeps you firmly planted in Swift Current. The longer you can preserve your tread, the longer you can preserve your traction. 
• Prevents Blowouts: When tires run low on tread, they are much more likely to experience blowouts, which is a sudden drop in pressure. This can be extremely stressful and potentially dangerous, but it’s easily preventable in most cases.
• Improves Performance: Uneven tire wear can create poor traction, poor handling, and even vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel! So, tire rotations can create a safer and more comfortable ride. 
• Maximizes Efficiency: When your tires are worn out, they can create drag. Your engine must work harder to keep up, which requires extra fuel—and money out of your wallet.

Visit Capital Lincoln for Expert Tire Care 

Now you know the answers to questions like: “What is a tire rotation?” and “What does a tire rotation do?” But, when should you schedule your next service at Capital Lincoln? Most vehicles need atire rotation every six months or 8,000 to 10,000 km— whichever comes first. Feel free to ask the experts at our service centre for recommendations based on your make and model, and contact us with your questions. Then, schedule your service online!