Rotating your car's tires may not seem like a big deal compared other common car maintenance tasks, but it's actually hugely important for your overall safety.
Everything You Need to Know About Tire Rotation
Updated on Jan. 30, 2025
Some recurring car maintenance tasks are almost second nature to us, like changing the oil. Other items on our car to-do list aren’t as obvious, like tire maintenance, even through they’re equally crucial components of keeping our vehicles in good shape. Besides regularly checking the tire pressure, rotating your tires should be near the top of that list.
Neglecting tire rotation can end up being costly, as your tires will wear out more quickly. But it’s also a safety issue, says Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. “Routinely rotating your tires will help spread wear evenly, which non only prolongs the life of your tires, it helps prevent tire blowouts on the road,” he says.
Here’s what’s involved in tire rotation, and other reasons you should stay on top of it.
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What Is a Tire Rotation?
Tire rotation is pretty simple. First, the front end and back end tires must be swapped. Next, the left and right sides should be swapped, in order to keep all sides even. This system means that the back left tire would end up at the front right side of the car.
When to Rotate Tires
A good baseline for how often to rotate your tires is to have it done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. But check your car’s manual, which should let you know the exact amount of miles recommended for your car’s tire rotation. You can do it when you get your oil changed, which should occur with a similar frequency.
Why Should You Have Your Tires Rotated?
Tire rotations need to happen frequently to ensure that your tires are wearing evenly. Over time, each tire is exposed to different angles on the road, which causes uneven wear on the treads. By regularly rotating them, you help even out that wear, which helps the tires last longer — by about 20% — plus gives you a smoother ride, decreased road noise and better handling, especially in slippery conditions.
“Tires also wear differently on the front and rear,” says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer.com. “This is more pronounced in trucks, 4×4 vehicles and vehicles that rarely have much weight, people or cargo in the rear; and in that situation the front tires wear out the sides, and the rear tires wear out the center,” he says.
Tires can also experience tire cupping, which happens when there’s uneven wear and tear on the tire’s surface. It’s pretty easy to spot; if your tire has uneven patterning and smoother surfaces, that’s an easy sign of tire cupping. Tire cupping can cause noises and rumbling sounds that aren’t pleasant to listen to while driving. Consistent tire rotation, however, can avoid this annoyance.
How Much Does it Cost to Have Tires Rotated?
Tire rotations typically cost $20 to $50 depending on where you go and what kind of services you add on to the job. Some shops will provide free tire rotation if you purchased the tires there, so be sure to see if they offer free tire rotation before buying tires.
You can rotate your own tires to save some money, but you will need a few tools and a safe spot to do it.
Not only does rotating your tires keep you safe and keep your tires even, but it also could mean saving some money. Checking your tires regularly and giving them the rotation needed will extend the longevity of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
About the Experts
- Duane “Doc” Watson is a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. He has more than 45 years of experience in automotive repair, has trained thousands of technicians and earned many industry awards, including Chevrolet Technician of the Year and Buick Service Master of the Year.
- Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer.com since 2006, where he answers hundreds of car maintenance and repair questions a day.
