How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

It’s a question most vehicle owners ask at some point: How often should you rotate your tires? The average is every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or every six months, whichever comes first. However, vehicles with certain drivetrains require more frequent rotations. Here is what you need to know about the frequency and benefits of this important service.

When to Rotate Tires

There are four types of drivetrains, and in each one, power from the engine is delivered to a different part of the vehicle. This has a direct impact on how a vehicle handles and drives. If you’re wondering how often you should rotate your tires, the exact frequency depends largely on the type of drivetrain you have:

• AWD All-wheel-drive vehicles require the most frequent tire rotations of any drivetrain. Because all four wheels are engaged simultaneously and receive equal amounts of power, the tires wear out faster. Have your AWD tires rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
• FWD In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the engine sends power to the front wheels. The rear tires are not actively engaged at the same time, so these vehicles can go longer between rotations. Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles is the norm.
• RWD The engine of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle delivers power to the rear wheels. This means the back tires propel the vehicle. Like FWD drivetrains, rotate RWD tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
• 4WD Four-wheel drive distributes power evenly throughout all four wheels–but it’s not the same as AWD. With 4WD, the drivetrain isn’t always employed like it is on an AWD; you can switch 4WD on and off. But how many miles before you rotate tires on a 4WD vehicle? Since it usually isn’t used every time you drive, every 5,000 to 8,000 miles is a typical schedule.

Of course, this will also dictate how you’ll rotate your vehicle’s tires. 

Benefits

If you’re asking how often you should rotate your tires, it can be helpful to understand the benefits of this service. Rotation involves removing, swapping, and remounting each tire into a different position. As a result:

• Tread wears more evenly, extending the life of your tires
• Tires have better traction on slippery roads
• The vehicle is easier to handle and control

Schedule a Tire Rotation at Springfield Acura Today

Trust your tire rotation needs to our service team at Springfield Acura. Make an appointment today, and be sure to check out our service tips and tricks to keep your vehicle in optimal shape between visits to our Springfield Township location.