How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

Many Buffalo drivers stop by the Robert Basil Buick GMC service center and ask, “How often should you rotate your tires? Usually, a tire rotation should be performed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We still recommend checking your owner’s manual to see if there are different recommendations from the automaker. Still curious when to rotate tires? Robert Basil Buick GMC discusses how many miles to rotate tires in the guide below.

Tire Rotations for FWD and RWD Vehicles

The front tires on front-wheel drive cars receive the bulk of the engine power. The opposite is true with a rear-wheel drive car. The tires that receive the majority of the power from the engine will end up wearing down more rapidly. If you drive a vehicle with either of these drivetrains, keep these tire rotations tips in mind:

• When performing a DIY tire rotation on a FWD vehicle, you will need to flip sides when moving the rear tires. An example of this would be that the rear right tire will go on the front left. As you move the front tires to the back, keep them on the same side.
• With a RWD car, flip sides when moving the front tires to the back. When moving the rear tires forward, keep them on the same side.
• If you do a lot of off-roading or driving in treacherous conditions, you will likely need to rotate your tires more often. Your driving habits can play a role in how often this service is required. The team at Robert Basil Buick GMC can help you create a service plan that best suits your driving habits.

Tire Rotations for AWD Vehicles

Wondering when to rotate tires if you have an AWD vehicle? With this drivetrain, power from your engine is sent to every wheel when the system is engaged. Because of this, a tire rotation should be performed more often—approximately every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. Here is the tire rotation pattern if you are rotating your tires and have an AWD vehicle.

1. The left rear goes to the right front spot.
2. The right rear goes to the left front spot.
3. The right front goes to the left rear spot.
4. The left front goes to the right rear spot.

Pro Tip: Draw a simple diagram of your drivetrain and use color-coded arrows to help you move your tires properly.

Tire Rotation Benefits

Along with extending the lifespan of your tires, regular tire rotations also provide the following perks:

• Improved traction on slippery roads
• Less noise on the road
• Less unnecessary stress on the drivetrain

Robert Basil Buick GMC is Your Source for Trusted Tire Care

If you would like to know more about tire care, the team at Robert Basil Buick GMC is here to help. Contact us today with any questions or set up an appointment at your convenience.