Tire Rotation Services in Germantown, MD

Tires rotate each and every time they are rolling down the road. However, in a mechanical point of view, this does not literally mean to “rotate” the tires. In this context, rotating tires means moving them from one wheel to the other; that is from right to left, front to back or even diagonally. So, why should you rotate tires? Tires have the tendency of wearing out unevenly. In most cases, the front tires tend to wear out on their outer edges since they lean over when turning a corner. On the other hand, the rear tires merely follow the front ones hence they wear more evenly. If you leave your car tires in place for a long time, the outside edges of the front tires are going to wear out faster than the rest. As a result, you will find yourself having to replace the tires thousands of miles sooner. In addition, poor alignment and unbalanced tires can result into uneven wear.

Tire rotation as part of your regular car maintenance schedule has numerous benefits. One of the benefits is that it helps to maintain even amount of tread wear on all the four tires which ends up prolonging the lifetime of your tires. In addition, constant tire rotation leads to an improved gas mileage, a smooth and more comfortable ride. In addition, the regular rotation of your vehicle’s tires can prolong the life of your car’s suspension components by minimizing vibrations. In addition, since you must remove the wheels for tire rotation, you get to inspect the undercarriage components and identify any problems early enough to save you money down the road. In addition, many manufacturers emphasize regular rotation of the tires for the mileage warranty to remain valid. The rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated at the same intervals as your oil gets changed irrespective of whether your tires portray even wear signs or not. As much as this is a good recommendation, you should always ensure you follow the guidelines stipulated in your vehicle’s manual for the best rotation pattern and timing for the type of tires and the vehicle itself.

If you are not sure whether to rotate your tires, here are some signs you should look for:

Uneven Tire Wear

This is one sign that you require to have your tires rotated. This can be checked by measuring the tread depths in various spots on the tire. If you witness some drastic differences in the measurements, you should know that your tires are wearing out unevenly. One of the most common patterns witnessed in unevenly rotated tires is tread feathering. However, it is important to note that rotating the tires shall not correct the wear problems resulting from incorrect pressure inflation, worn mechanical parts or alignment Issues.

Uneven Front to Rear Tread Wear

Although every tire can wear unevenly, the truth is that the front axle tires can wear differently than the rear axle tires. Regular tire rotation allows all tires to serve in rear and front positions which helps even out the wear. As much as regular rotation can assist with uneven wear, different tread wear patterns assist in the diagnosis of other problems you might be experiencing.

Tire Vibration and Noise

When tires an unevenly worn, it results into road vibrations and noises. Although the vibrations are felt in other car parts, the effect is felt more on the steering wheel.

In addition to tire rotation and our other tire services provided it’s important to keep in the the importance of regular tire balancing as well as wheel alignment. Feel free to give us a call or drop on by if you have any questions about these services.