Most drivers are aware that regular oil changes are necessary to keep their engine running smoothly. But if you're already in the shop for that service, why not take the opportunity to rotate your tires as well? These two maintenance items are often scheduled at similar intervals, and doing them together can help extend the life of your tires and improve your car’s overall performance.
What a Tire Rotation Actually Does
Tire rotation means moving each tire from one position on the car to another. For example, the front tires might be moved to the rear, and the rear tires moved to the front, often switching sides in the process. The pattern depends on whether your car is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.
Because tires wear differently depending on their position, rotating them ensures that all four tires wear more evenly. This helps preserve traction, reduces road noise, and allows the set to last longer before needing replacement.
Why It Makes Sense to Do Both at the Same Time
Oil changes are usually done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, which is also a common range for tire rotation intervals. By combining the two, you save yourself an extra trip to the shop. It also helps keep your maintenance routine simple and consistent, which makes it less likely you’ll forget an important service.
More importantly, tire rotations require the car to be lifted, just like an oil change. When both services are done together, the technician can inspect your tires, brakes, and undercarriage while the vehicle is already on the lift. This makes the most of your time and gives the shop a better chance to catch other issues early.
The Risks of Skipping Tire Rotations
If you don’t rotate your tires, you’ll likely notice uneven wear patterns. Front tires often wear faster on the edges because of steering and braking. Rear tires, depending on the drivetrain, may wear more evenly, but not always at the same rate. Over time, this uneven wear can cause poor handling, vibrations, and reduced traction, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Eventually, you may have to replace two tires long before the others. Not only is this more expensive in the long run, but it can also create performance imbalances that affect your car’s safety.
Tire Rotation Helps Your Suspension Too
Uneven tire wear puts extra stress on your suspension and steering components. When tires develop high or low spots, they can cause vibrations that travel through the shocks, struts, and control arms. This leads to more rapid wear on parts that are already under daily stress from bumps, turns, and braking.
By keeping the tires from wearing evenly, you reduce the chance of premature suspension issues and help your vehicle ride more smoothly.
Signs You May Be Overdue for a Rotation
If you’re unsure when your last tire rotation was, here are a few signs that might indicate it’s time:
- Uneven tread depth between front and rear tires
- Pulling to one side while driving
- Excessive road noise or vibration
- Tires that look visibly worn on one edge
Of course, even without these signs, it's a good idea to follow the rotation schedule recommended in your owner's manual.
An Easy Way to Stay on Track With Maintenance
Combining tire rotations with oil changes is one of the simplest ways to keep your vehicle in top condition. It’s also a smart move when you consider how expensive tires have become. Getting the full lifespan out of each set saves you money, improves safety, and ensures better driving performance.
If you’re already booking your next oil change, ask the shop if they can rotate your tires during the same visit. Most will gladly do both in one appointment, and some even offer bundled pricing for these common services.
Protect Your Investment at Accurate Motorwerks in Vancouver, WA
At Accurate Motorwerks in Vancouver, WA, we believe routine maintenance should be easy and effective. When you visit us for an oil change, our team can also rotate your tires, inspect your brakes, and keep an eye on any other wear and tear.
Schedule your appointment today and get more value out of every visit.
