How to Rotate Tires

Can’t remember the last time you had your tires rotated? Want to rotate your vehicle’s tires at home but aren’t sure how? The Leman's Chevrolet City Llc service center can help. Aside from better traction on Normal roads, regular tire rotations can help you avoid issues with your tires in the future.

Why You Should Rotate Your Tires

Tires don’t wear evenly. This can be accelerated by the impact they experience when turning or when driving on rough terrain regularly. This causes the outer edges of the front tires to wear faster than the rear wheels. And the rear wheels tend to wear a bit more evenly. If you don’t regularly rotate your tires, they will wear at different rates and you’ll have no choice but to replace them sooner.

This is why it’s necessary to understand the importance of tire rotation so you can be sure to schedule appointments and avoid damage to your tires. If your wheels are wearing unevenly, you’re more likely to have a blowout, which can easily lead to an accident.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

Front and rear-wheel drive vehicles usually need their tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. All-wheel drive vehicles require tire rotation more frequently, every 3,000-5,000 miles. The reason is that all tires are actively engaged and that causes faster wear. Check out our guide on how often to rotate tires, but note that all Decatur drivers should check their owner’s manual for vehicle-specific recommendations. Not sure where to find it? Contact our service team and we’ll help you determine the right guide to follow.

Tire Position Patterns

• FWD Tires: When working with FWD vehicles, you can move the front tires to the back of the vehicle in the same left and right positions. However, when it comes to moving the rear tires to the front, it’s best to switch the right and left tire.
• RWD Tires: When working with RWD tires, do the opposite. The rear tires should be moved to the front of the car in the same left and right positions. However, when you move the front tires to the rear, you need to switch the left and right tire positions.

Rotating Your Tires

If you want to know how to rotate your tires at home, you’ll need a car jack, lug nut wrench, and a set of car jacks. Then, when you’re ready, follow these five steps:

1. Set the parking brake as a safety precaution.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels, but don’t take them all the way off yet.
3. Using the car jack, lift up one wheel and place the jack stand underneath it.
4. Remove all the tires and make sure they are filled to the optimal tire pressure written on the tire. Once filled, rotate them according to the appropriate pattern as stated above for your type of tires. Place the Then, screw the lug nuts on by hand as far as you’re able.
5. Lastly, lower the car from the jack stand and use the lug wrench to completely tighten all the nuts. Note that it’s best to work the lug nuts diagonally from one to another in a star pattern to ensure they are evenly tightened.

Get Your Tires Rotated at Leman's Chevrolet City Llc Today

Make a service appointment at Leman's Chevrolet City Llc today to keep your tires in top shape! We offer a variety of service specials to help you save on this important service and will have you in and out as quickly as possible. Have questions in the meantime or looking to learn more about your vehicle’s maintenance schedule or how often you should have a tire rotation? Contact us!