How to Do a Tire Rotation
Your tires go through serious wear and tear during an average year of NYC travels, which is why maintenance services like tire rotations are so vital. While many drivers prefer to schedule a service at a certified dealership like Major World Auto others are curious about how to do a tire rotation at home. We’re here to walk you through the basics, so you can keep your car in top condition for miles to come with your used vehicle.
Why Should I Rotate my Tires?
As you drive through Brooklyn, your tires will not wear at an even rate. The outer edges of your tires tend to wear faster than the inside edges, due to the increased pressure during corners. Plus, your drivetrain can cause uneven wear as well. Front-wheel drive vehicles will place much more pressure on the front two tires than the rear two tires, and the opposite is true for rear-wheel drive. So if you leave your tires as is, half your tires may stay in great condition while the other half are completely worn down.
How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?
This depends on your drivetrain. If you have a vehicle with front- or all-wheel drive, you’ll need to rotate your tires around every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, you’ll need to rotate your tires around 3,000 to 5,000 miles instead because each wheel moves independently. But if you want more specific figures, feel free to check your owner’s manual or get in contact with our service center.
How Do I Rotate My Tires at Home?
Learning how to do a tire rotation can be tricky, but if you’re up for the challenge, here is a brief overview of the process. You’ll need a car jack, lug nut wrench, and a set of car jacks to get started.
- Engage your parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on all wheels, but keep them on for now.
- Lift one wheel with the car jack. Place the jack stand under it.
- Remove each tire completely. Check your tire pressure.
- Rotate your tires based on your drivetrain configuration:
- FWD Tires: Move the front tires directly to the back. Move the rear tires to the front, switching the right and left tire as you go.
- RWD Tires: The opposite is true with RWD vehicles. Move the rear tires directly to the front. Move the rear tires to the rear, switching the right and left tire.
- Screw the lug nuts as tightly as possible by hand.
- Lower the car from the jack stands. Finish tightening the lug nuts with your lug wrench. Work diagonally for the best results.
Schedule Your Next Tire Rotation with Major World Auto
Learning how to do a tire rotation can be a rewarding process for auto enthusiasts in the Bronx-area, but many drivers prefer to simply schedule a service with us at Major World Auto. Contact us with any questions about the tire rotation process, and feel free to schedule your service today!
