To keep your car in great condition, you'll want to think beyond just regular oil changes and fill-ups. One often-overlooked maintenance task that matters for tire longevity and overall vehicle performance is tire rotation.

This involves periodically changing the position of your car tires to ensure they wear evenly. It's a simple task that can save you money and enhance your driving experience. Below, we'll explain why tire rotations matter, how to complete one and more.

What Is Tire Rotation?

Rotating tires is regular car maintenance that repositions your car's tires. As simple as it sounds, it's one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your tires and maintain optimal vehicle performance.

Since tires can wear unevenly, rotating them helps distribute tread wear more evenly across all four. Your regular tire rotation is also a good time to check that you're at the ideal tire pressure.

Why Is Tire Rotation Necessary?

Tire rotation is a necessary investment for the life of your tires because it can improve how long they last and how evenly they wear down. Here's why you should make it a part of your car's regular maintenance routine:

• Extends tire life: Uneven wear patterns can drastically shorten the lifespan of your tires. Rotating them regularly helps all four tires wear down more consistently, saving you money on replacements.
• Improves handling and stability: Proper tire rotation helps maintain even tread depth across all tires, resulting in better handling, improved stability and a more predictable driving experience, especially during turns and maneuvers.
• Better traction and braking: Worn tires have less grip on the road, making it harder to brake effectively and maintain traction in wet or slippery conditions. Even if you already have winter tires, regular rotations promote even tread wear, allowing your car to grip the road for safer braking and better handling in all weather conditions.
• Increases fuel efficiency: Worn tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder to maintain speed. Proper tire rotation ensures even wear and reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy and potentially saving you money at the pump.
• Provides early warning signs: During a tire rotation, technicians can check your tire pressure and inspect them for damage, uneven wear patterns and proper inflation. This allows for early detection of potential problems, preventing them from becoming bigger issues down the road.

While proper tire rotation is just one of many car care tips, it's an essential one.

How Often Do You Rotate Your Tires?

Most manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, always check your car's manual to find out the recommended tire rotation schedule for your exact car. This often aligns with your car's recommended oil change interval, making it convenient to schedule both services together.

How to Rotate Tires + Rotation Patterns to Keep In Mind

Rotating tires isn't just about switching their positions randomly. You must follow specific patterns to ensure even wear and optimal performance. These patterns depend on factors like your vehicle's drive type (front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive) and the type of tires you have.

These are the different tire tread patterns that impact how your tires can be rotated:

• Symmetrical: These tires have the same tread pattern on both sides and can be rotated in any direction.
• Asymmetrical: These tires have different tread patterns on the inner and outer edges, designed for specific performance characteristics. They can be rotated from front to back on the same side but not across axles.
• Directional: These tires have a tread pattern designed to rotate in only one direction for optimal water evacuation and performance. They can only be rotated from front to back on the same side.

From there, you'll need to know the common rotation patterns based on your vehicle drive setup to properly rotate your tires:

• Forward cross (front-wheel drive tire rotation): The front tires move to the back in the same position (left front to left rear, right front to right rear). The rear tires move to the front, crossing over (right rear to left front, left rear to right front).
• Rearward cross (rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive): The rear tires move to the front in the same position. The front tires move to the back, crossing over.
• X-pattern (AWD tire rotation): All tires are crossed over when moved to the opposite axle (left front to right rear, right front to left rear, left rear to right front, right rear to left front). This method is sometimes also used for front-wheel drive tire rotation.

Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended rotation pattern. If your car has different tire sizes on the front and rear axles, rotation options are limited; consult a tire professional for guidance.

How Much Does It Cost to Rotate Tires?

The cost of a tire rotation varies by location, but you can generally expect to pay upwards of $100. If you're an AAA member, you may be eligible for discounts on automotive services, including tire rotations, at participating AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.

Keep Your Tires In Tip-Top Shape With AAA

By following your car's recommended tire rotation schedule and monitoring your tire pressure and tread depth, you can delay costly replacements and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable ride.

If you experience a flat tire or other tire-related issue, AAA Roadside Assistance has you covered, and may even cover the cost of a tire change or tow to a repair shop.