The condition of your tires makes or breaks the overall safety of your car. One of the best ways to keep your tires in top shape and help them last is by regularly rotating them. A tire rotation is a fast, easy service that will pay off big in the long run.
Maintain your car’s safety, keep your car running longer, and improve the performance of your ride with a simple rotation service from Big Chief Tire.
What is a Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation manages tire tread wear. That’s the grating, scouring, and scraping that happens to your tires when driving over roads and rough surfaces.
This service will help the tires wear more evenly. It moves each tire to a different position on the car’s axles. This counteracts wear patterns to ensure the center of the tire and edge of the tire all wear at the same rate over time.
Cost and How Often to Rotate Tires
Your owner’s manual will have instructions on how often to rotate your tires. At Big Chief, we usually recommend car owners rotate tires every six months or 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Factors like whether you have all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive can impact timing. If in doubt, call our team.
Tire rotation cost can vary, but you can save money if you visit a local tire shop rather than a dealership.
Why Should Tires Be Rotated?
Tire rotation is great for your car and your wallet. It extends the life of your tires, so you won’t need to invest in new ones as often. Plus, it improves your fuel efficiency and protects the car’s warranty.
Regularly rotating your tires is also a great way to improve your driving experience. After this service, you’ll notice reduced noise and vibration, along with better vehicle handling on the road.
The Dangers of Not Regularly Rotating Your Tires
When your tires are not regularly rotated, the tires wear unevenly. Your vehicle is usually heavier in the front or the back, which puts more pressure on one side. This can create a rough and unstable driving surface.
You want your front and rear tires to wear at the same rate for optimal performance. There are a few other risks to consider:
Heat buildup
Too much heat can cause tire failures like blowouts and tread separation. This occurs when there isn’t enough space between treads.
Hydroplaning
If the tread depth is too low, the tires can lose traction. This causes the vehicle to skim across the top of the water or lose control.
Poor traction
Driving in winter climate conditions without the proper tread increases the risk of sliding on ice or spinning out of control.
Punctures/blowouts
Accumulated spots on the tire that experience excessive strain can wear thin, making them easy to puncture. In case of emergencies, it’s a good idea to keep a spare tire in your vehicle at all times.
Tire Rotation Patterns
Many customers ask our experienced mechanics about the best tire rotation patterns to use for their car. Patterns include the forward cross, the X-pattern and rearward cross. The best choice depends on your vehicle’s drivetrain—that is, whether you have all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive.
Mechanics at Big Chief are experts in choosing the best tire rotation pattern for your vehicle. If you have any questions, you can always call us at (904) 932-1547.
Tire Rotation vs. Wheel Alignment
If you notice your tires squealing, pulling from side to side, or vibrating, you may need a different kind of service. It’s important to get your tires rotated to improve performance and life of your tire. But if you have significant issues with your handling, a wheel alignment or wheel balancing may be needed.
Schedule Your Tire Rotation With Big Chief Tire
Working with a local tire shop can help keep your car in good condition with hands-on attention at an affordable price. Remember, it’s important to rotate your tires on a regular basis to keep your car safe on the road.
Schedule an appointment with Big Chief Tire to have your tires rotated today. Unlike other shops, we’ll never upsell you on services you don’t need. After 60 years of service, we’re the local tire shop that Jacksonville residents know, love, and trust.