HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU ROTATE YOUR TIRES?

When it comes to tire maintenance, one of the best things to do is schedule routine rotation services. But how often should you rotate your tires? The answer depends on various factors, including what type of drivetrain your vehicle features. Learn when to rotate your tires with the auto service experts at SEWELL INEOS GRENADIER SAN ANTONIO today to take even better care of your vehicular investment. If you have any questions about tire rotations and other maintenance services, our certified technicians are here to answer them. Should you need to schedule tire rotation services, simply let us know. 

WHEN TO ROTATE TIRES ON FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE AND REAR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES 

As you may have surmised, “front-wheel drive” (FWD) and “rear-wheel drive” (AWD) refer to where engine power is distributed. On a vehicle with front-wheel drive, power is distributed to the front tires. On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the power is directed to the rear tires. The tires receiving the power will naturally wear out faster than the others, which is why we rotate tires in the first place—to ensure an even rate of wear across all four. If you drive a vehicle with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive in New Braunfels, check out these helpful tips: 

• The basic 5,000–7,500-mile interval applies to both rear-wheel drive and front-wheel drive tire rotation schedules. However, you should confirm the interval in your owner’s manual. 
• When rotating the tires on a vehicle with front-wheel drive, you must follow the correct rotation pattern: the rear right tire moves to the front left, and the rear left tire moves to the front right. The front tires may remain on the same side when moved to the back. You may hear this pattern referred to as the “forward cross.”
• For a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, simply invert the aforementioned pattern. You will move the front right tire to the rear left, and the front left tire to the rear right. Then, the rear tires will stay on the same side when moved to the front. This is also referred to as a “rearward cross.”
• Your driving habits will also influence when you need to rotate tires. For example, off-road driving or consistent high-mileage driving will wear your tires out faster, so you will want to rotate them more frequently. 

Our friendly service advisors will help you create a tire rotation schedule based on your driving habits. Contact us when you are ready to start a conversation. 

HOW MANY MILES TO WAIT BETWEEN TIRE ROTATIONS: ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES

How often should you rotate your tires if your vehicle uses all-wheel drive? All-wheel drive vehicles distribute power to all four tires based on the changing road conditions, meaning each tire might wear out at a slightly different rate. For this reason, many experts recommend rotating tires on all-wheel-drive vehicles every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but again, you will want to double-check your owner’s manual. 

All-wheel drive and 4×4 vehicles undergo an “x-pattern” tire rotation, meaning all tires are moved diagonally and switch axles. So the rear right and rear left tires take the place of the front left and front right tires respectively, and vice versa. 

WHY IS TIRE ROTATION IMPORTANT? 

Like oil changes, tire rotation is often regarded as an inconvenient but vitally necessary maintenance item. In addition to ensuring your tires last as long as intended on Seguin roads, routine tire rotations provide the following benefits:

• Optimal traction when the roads are slick or uneven
• Less road noise
• Relief of unnecessary strain on the drivetrain

In addition to tire rotations, maintaining the right tire pressure is crucial to preventing rapid or uneven tire wear. When your TPMS warns you of low tire pressure, do not wait too long to refill the afflicted tire(s). 

SCHEDULE A TIRE ROTATION TODAY AT OUR STORE IN San Antonio

Now you know when to rotate your tires based on the drivetrain. If you have questions about how often you should rotate your tires, the service team at SEWELL INEOS GRENADIER SAN ANTONIO is here to help. We want to help you maintain your investment for years and enjoy safe and comfortable rides in Austin and beyond. Our team also invites you to learn more about our store and finance department.