How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

A question we hear fairly often at McCall Motors is, “How often should you rotate your tires?” Usually, a tire rotation should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. There may be different recommendations from the automaker for your particular make and model. Because of this, it is a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. Still curious when to rotate tires? McCall Motors is here to help.

FWD and RWD Tire Rotations

If your vehicle is designated as front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, it lets you know where most of the engine power is being sent. The front tires on a FWD vehicle receive the brunt of the engine power while the rear tires receive the engine power on a RWD model. The tires that receive the majority of the engine power will wear faster than the others. Remember these tips when it’s time for your next tire rotation near Altoona.

• For FWD or RWD cars: Tire rotation should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Remember to check if there are different recommendations from the manufacturer.
• If you have a FWD vehicle, flip sides when moving the rear tires. For example, the rear right tire will go on the front left. Do not swap sides when moving the front tires to the back.
• The process is reversed for RWD vehicles. Swap sides when moving the front tires to the back, but do not switch the rear tires when moving them forward.
• If you do a lot of off-roading around Johnstown, you may need to rotate your tires more often. Certain driving habits cause your tires to wear down more rapidly. If this is the case, our team can help create a plan to ensure your tires last as long as possible.

AWD Tire Rotations

With an AWD model, engine power is distributed to every wheel when you engage AWD. You will need to follow a specific tire rotation pattern and perform the task more often. Most AWD tires need to be rotated every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. This is the pattern to follow:

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

To ensure that this is done correctly, we recommend drawing a simple diagram of your drivetrain and using color-coded arrows. Our technicians can also perform this task for you if you prefer. Set up an appointment today.

Benefits of Regular Tire Rotations

Tire rotations ensure you get the most out of your tires. Listed below are a few other advantages worth noting.

• Improved traction on slippery roads
• Less noise on the road
• Less unnecessary stress on the drivetrain

Rely on the Experts at McCall Motors

If you have lingering questions about vehicle maintenance or how many miles to rotate tires on your particular vehicle, we would be more than happy to assist you. Contact us today.