How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

What is a Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation is a service performed at Stingray Chevrolet that rotates tires, so they wear evenly. Rotating tires periodically makes them last longer between replacements. You should come in for a tire rotation every six months or 6,000-8,000 miles, whichever comes first.  At home, checks can help you keep track of your tires’ health.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

In your quest to keep your new or used Lakeland vehicle running its best, you may be wondering how often should you rotate your tires? How often to rotate tires depends on your driving habits. Generally speaking, when to rotate, tires should fall between every 5,000 to the 7,500-mile interval. This is a good guideline to follow if you’re just getting started, but you should also check your owner’s manual for a model-based factory recommendation. Curious to learn more about when to rotate tires? Consult Stingray Chevrolet’s simple guide, below.

FWD and RWD Tire Rotation

Front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive designate where engine power is sent in a vehicle. With front-wheel drive, the power is sent to the front tires. With rear-wheel drive, the power is sent to the rear tires. This means the set of tires receiving the power will wear out faster than the others. If you drive a FWD or RWD vehicle in Valrico, keep these tips in mind:

• A tire rotation should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles on a FWD or RWD vehicle – consult your owner’s manual for an exact interval.
• When performing FWD tire rotation at home, remember you’ll need to flip sides when moving the rear tires. So, the rear right tire goes on the front left, and vice versa. When you’re moving the front tires to the back, however, you’ll keep them on the same side.
• When you rotate tires on a RWD vehicle, you’ll do the opposite of what we described above. Switch sides when you move the front tires to the back, but remain on the same side when you move the rear tires to the front.

• You should also take into consideration how you drive. If, for example, you frequently go off-roading, it will affect your tire rotation frequency. Speak with a service expert at Stingray Chevrolet if you’re unsure how to tailor your maintenance schedule to your driving habits.

AWD Tire Rotation Tips

Wondering how many miles to rotate tires on an AWD vehicle? AWD models are a bit different, as each tire wears differently and at different rates. Most experts say that 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a good interval to follow, but again, you should always check with your owner’s manual. If it’s been so long since your last tire rotation that you can’t remember when it was, it may be time to schedule an appointment at Stingray Chevrolet. We’ll inspect your tires and, if it’s time for a tire rotation, get the process taken care of in a jif. Typically, tires need a rotation when the tread variance exceeds 2/32 of an inch.

Why Should You Rotate Your Tires?

In addition to extending the life of your tires, regular tire rotation is beneficial because it improves your traction during Brandon downpours, creates less road noise while you’re driving, and relieves stress from the drivetrain.

Is it Time to Come in For a Tire Rotation or Replacement?

If you come in for routine tire rotations, then your tires should last about four to five years, depending on your driving habits. But how do you know when it’s time? A good way to judge when your tires are due for replacement is the penny test. It will quickly tell you whether you need to order new OEM tires:

The Penny Test

1. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove, with Lincoln’s head upside done facing you.
2. If you see Lincoln’s entire head, then your tire tread is lower than 2/32 inches.
3. If your tires have a tire tread depth of 2.32 inches or less, then it’s time to come in for a tire replacement.

Get More Tire Rotation Advice at Stingray Chevrolet

If you have any lingering questions regarding tire rotation or other common service topics, like what the TPMS does or spark plug replacement, don’t hesitate to contact our service center online or give us a call at (813) 704-2102. Keeping up with regular tire rotation will ensure you get the full life expectancy out of your tires, but that doesn’t mean they’ll last forever. If it’s time for a new set, consult our tire center today.