How often should you really get a tire rotation?

Woman checking tire of her vehicle

As a car owner, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and repairs to keep your vehicle running at its best. Some smaller maintenance requirements like tire rotations, might seem unnecessary, but it is actually very important to the life of your vehicle and its tires. Today we’re going to look at why vehicles need tire rotations and how often you really need them.

Why is it important to rotate your tires?

Getting your vehicle’s tires rotated is important because it helps to maintain an even amount of tread wear on all the tires. This helps make your tires last longer, improve gas mileage and provide a more comfortable ride. Regularly rotating your tires can significantly increase the lifespan of your tires. Many mechanics suggest getting your tires rotated every time you get an oil change, whether or not there are signs of wear. To be on the safe side, it’s best to check the guidelines in your vehicle’s owners manual of time rotation frequency as well as the best rotation pattern for your vehicle’s tire type.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Tire Rotation

There are a few signs you can look for if you aren’t sure when your last tire rotation was to let you that it’s time to schedule an appointment.

Uneven Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear is probably the most common sign that you need your tires rotated. You can check this by measuring the tread depth in multiple spots on each tire to see if there are significant differences between areas.
Uneven Front Rear Tread Wear: It’s a good idea to watch out for uneven front to rear tread wear. Rotating your tires will ensure that front and rear tires wear down at the same rate.
Tire Noise and Vibration: When your tires have uneven wear, you can experience road noise and vibrations most commonly noticed in the steering wheel.

[ Related: How often should you replace your tires? ]

If you have any tire-related questions or concerns, call or visit Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead. Our expert service department will be able to help you decide if you need a tire rotation or new tires.