Between the regular oil changes, changing the air filter, and brake inspections, it’s easy to overlook one of the simpler aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance – tire rotations. Regular tire rotations are one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tires, boost your vehicle’s performance, and enhance your safety on the road.
At Big Chief Tire, we’re here to answer your most common questions about tire rotations, including how often you should rotate your tires, what the process involves, and what it costs.
What is a Tire Rotation?
A tire rotation is when you move each tire to a different position on your vehicle. Since front and rear tires wear at different rates, rotating them helps spread that wear evenly. Common tire rotation patterns include the front-to-rear, the forward cross, the X-pattern, the rearward cross, and the side-to-side. The best choice depends on tire size, the type of tire, and your vehicle’s drivetrain.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?
As a general rule, we usually recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or roughly every six months. A great way to remember? Rotate your tires whenever you come in for an oil change. At Big Chief Tire, we make it easy by including tire rotations with every oil change.
However, your vehicle’s owner’s manual may offer more specific guidance. Factors like whether you have all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive can impact timing. Not sure where you stand? Schedule an appointment with Big Chief Tire and we’ll check it out for you.
Sign You’re Overdue for a Rotation
Can’t remember the last time you had a tire rotation? If not, there’s a good chance you are overdue. Here are a few common signs you may need a tire rotation.
- Uneven tread wear patterns – You want your front and rear tires to wear at the same rate. Everything from your driving habits to poor wheel alignment to suspension issues can cause uneven tire wear. You might notice your car pulling to one side, or that it just doesn’t “feel right” on the road. These can be early signs that your tires are wearing unevenly and need attention.
- Vibration in the steering wheel – If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel, especially as the vehicle gets up to speed, that can be a sign your tires are out of balance. Out of balance tires will wear faster or unevenly.
- Tires losing traction – Your tires lose tread depth as they wear down. If the depth is too low, the tires can lose traction making it difficult to steer or maintain a straight line, especially in rain or on slick surfaces.
Over time, extended wear on your tires could lead to more than just a vibration in the steering wheel. You could experience a blowout leading to a serious accident. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with Big Chief Tire to determine if you need a rotation.
How Much Does it Cost to Rotate Tires?
Like all vehicle maintenance, the cost to rotate your tires varies depending on a number of factors. Tire rotations usually cost more for larger vehicles, like trucks or SUVs, because of their larger tires and the extra work involved in rotating them. At Big Chief Tire, we believe in fair pricing and transparent service. We’ll never sell you something you don’t need, and if we can match a competitor’s price, we will. Plus, tire rotations are included at no extra cost with any oil change – just one more way we help you save.
Schedule Your Tire Rotation With Big Chief Tire
Tire rotations are one of the easiest ways to maintain your car’s safety, improve its performance, and extend the lifespan of your tires. Staying on top of them can help you avoid uneven wear, reduce the risk of blowouts, and save money in the long run.
At Big Chief Tire, we’re proud to be a family-owned shop that’s been serving Jacksonville for over 60 years. We’re here to help you keep your car running at its best. Visit one of our five convenient locations to have your tires rotated. Schedule an appointment today.
