How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

How often should you rotate your tires? Generally, when to rotate your tires depends on mileage rather than age. So, a good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires once every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. While knowing when to rotate your tires can seem a bit tricky, the guide below can help you establish a strong tire rotation schedule. Learn more with our service professionals below!

Rotating Tires on FWD and RWD Vehicles

If you’re new to automotive ownership or car care, you may feel a bit confused by the designations front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. These terms simply refer to where the power from the engine is sent. So, a front-wheel drive vehicle sends its engine power to the front axle and vice versa. This also means that the set of tires receiving the engine power will wear out faster than the other two. If you’re asking when to rotate tires as a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive car owner, keep the following in mind:

• How many miles to rotate FWD or RWD cars? You should rotate tires on these types of vehicles once every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for exact recommendations. 
• If you’re taking on a DIY FWD tire rotation in your Hanover garage, you’ll need to flip sides when moving the rear tires. So, the rear right tire will go to the front left. But, you’ll keep the tires on the same side when moving from front to back.
• For a RWD tire rotation in your Braintree garage, invert the process mentioned above. Flip sides when moving tires from front to back, but keep them fixed when moving them forward.
• Your driving habits play a major role in how many miles to rotate tires. If you frequently travel off-road, haul large equipment, or traverse construction zones, you’ll likely need a tire rotation more frequently than other Norwood drivers. 

AWD Tire Rotation Tips

If you drive an all-wheel drive model, your tire rotation schedule will differ from front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive owners. Since engine power is distributed to each tire on an all-wheel drive vehicle, the rotation must be done in a very specific way, and at closer intervals. So, how often should you rotate your tires with an all-wheel drive vehicle? Typically, an all-wheel drive model should have a tire rotation once every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Follow this pattern for an all-wheel drive tire rotation:

1. The left rear tire goes to the right front spot.
2. The right rear tire goes to the left front spot.
3. The right front tire goes to the left rear spot.
4. The left front tire goes to the right rear spot.

While you can certainly take care of this task all on your own, many drivers prefer the convenience of letting the professionals handle car maintenance. Simply book an appointment with us in Brockton and our team will get you back on the road in no time. 

Why Rotate Tires?

Now that you’re aware of how many miles to rotate tires, you may be curious why you even need to worry about the task in the first place. First and foremost, tire rotations increase the longevity of your tires. Along with that, regular tire rotations offer:

• Greater traction on wet surfaces
• Reduced road noise
• Minimized stress on the drivetrain

Proper tire care will ensure that the performance and safety prowess of your vehicle remains strong. If your tires have reached the genuine end of their lifespan, our tire center crew will help you pick out a strong replacement set. 

Rely on Silko Volkswagen for Car Maintenance

If you have any lingering questions about caring for your vehicle or your tires specifically, contact us at your convenience. Our team is eager to help you through every stage of automotive ownership!