Why You Need to Rotate Your Tires (and What Happens If You Don't)

We know your to-do list is already a mile long. But ICYMI, rotating the tires on your car should be somewhere near the top of it. We broke down why (and how often) you should rotate your tires — so you can keep putting the pedal to the metal. Trust us, your car will thank you.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (or about every six months). You can refer to your owner's manual or ask your local mechanic about the tires for your specific vehicle. 

Why do I need to rotate my tires in the first place? 

A tire rotation helps manage the wear and tear of your tires — aka the grating and scraping that your tires experience while traveling along the road and on other rough surfaces. During the process, each tire is moved to a different position on your car’s axles (the rod or shaft that supports the car’s weight and rotates the wheels). So the tires wear more evenly. 

Rotating your tires offers other benefits too, like:

• Reducing vibration and noise 

• Extending the life of your tires 

• Ensuring you have even tread on all of your tires

• An overall better driving experience 

What can happen if I don’t rotate my tires? 

Not rotating your tires can make your life…not a highway. Tire treads without rotation can wear down unevenly. Which can make you less safe on the road. 

Not rotating your tires regularly can lead to: 

• Hydroplaning (when your car uncontrollably slides on a wet surface)

• Worse traction in ice and snow

• Reduced tire lifespan

• More stops at the gas station (yes, your tires can affect your gas mileage)

Anything else I need to do to keep my tires in good shape? 

• Keep the wheels aligned to ensure your tires meet the road at the proper angle

• Keep your tire pressure at the recommended level

• Make sure the tires are balanced (translation: when small weights are attached to wheels to stop vibration as they turn)

theSkimm 

Schedule regular visits with your local mechanic to get your tires rotated. It can help you stay safe on the road, no matter where (or when) you drive. Plus, it can help you avoid surprise expenses. Because we all know that tire replacement money could be going towards something much sweeter.