When you purchase new Tires, they come with a recommended rotation schedule—but do you really need to heed it? Many vehicle owners see Tire rotations as just another way for their mechanic to make a quick buck, but that assumption is an erroneous one. Routine tire rotations are important for a number of reasons, and the professionals at AA Auto Tech are here to explain them below.

If your tires come with a warranty, chances are they require regular rotations for the warranty to remain intact. Routine tire rotations help ensure all four of your tires wear evenly, which maximizes tread life. Your tires wear at different rates depending on their placement, so approximately every 5,000 miles, each tire must be rotated according to a specific pattern. Whether your vehicle is front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive will determine the recommended rotation sequence. Your auto repair shop will know exactly which sequence to follow depending on your vehicle’s drivetrain.

In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the two front wheels tend to take the brunt of the wear due to the friction generated during acceleration and turning. If you fail to change the positioning of these tires, you’ll notice their tread wears more rapidly than your rear tires. Uneven wear can result in balance issues, traction loss, and premature tire degradation, potentially putting you in harm’s way.

When you have your tires rotated at a qualified auto repair company, your technician will evaluate your tire pressure as part of the service. Many vehicle owners hardly think twice about checking tire pressure regularly, and often, vehicles arrive in the shop with substantially underinflated tires. Because underinflation is a leading cause of premature tire failure, it’s critical that you maintain the appropriate PSI in each tire.

If you’re curious about recommended pressure levels for your vehicle, you can find the manufacturer-approved PSI either in your owner’s manual or on the label inside your driver’s side door. Your technician will be familiar with the appropriate tire pressure and can quickly inflate each tire to the optimal level.

Last but not least, while your tires are off, your technician will perform a quick visual brake inspection to make sure your brakes are in safe, working order. It’s near-impossible to view your vehicle’s brakes while the tires are on, which makes a tire rotation the perfect time to perform this critical check. Many times, you may not be aware that your brake pads have worn past the manufacturer's recommended thickness. While squealing and grinding noises are a sure indication that your brakes must be replaced, often, worn brakes don’t make any noise at all. Following your routine tire rotation, your technician will inform you if an impending brake job is necessary.

Whether you need a routine tire rotation, tire repair, or a full set of replacement tires, at AA Auto Tech, we’re your complete tire care center. While we’re taking care of your tires, we can examine your alignment and make sure you’re vehicle is properly balanced, too. For over 20 years, we’ve been serving the Twin Cities metro with comprehensive, quality service from our ASE-certified technicians. When you need honest, high-quality, and guaranteed service, our expert team is here for you. For questions regarding your tires or to schedule your service appointment, feel free to contact us or give us a call at 651-437-2218.