It’s no secret that the traction between a car’s tires and the pavement is what ultimately keeps the vehicle on the road. Still, not everyone is familiar with the process that helps maintain this level of stability. This is what to know about tire rotation and why it’s a vital part of any vehicle maintenance routine.

What Is Tire Rotation?

As a car drives around day after day, the treads of its tires slowly wear down due to the friction they have with the street. Eventually, the tires degrade so much that they can’t maintain traction and the tire itself begins to slip. Tire rotation is the process of slowing the rate of this wear by periodically switching the position of your vehicle’s tires. The tires that were previously in the front will move to the back, and the ones in the back will move forward.

Why Should We Rotate Our Tires?

Though you might think that all your tires are subject to the same levels of stress, this simply isn’t true. In cars with front-wheel drive, the front tires will receive significantly more wear than those in the back, which can change how the car handles as a whole. Regularly rotating the tires ensures that all tires experience the same amount of wear over time. This way, you won’t need to buy replacements as often, and all your equipped tires can continue to perform in the same way.

How Often Do Tires Need To Be Rotated?

Another important thing to know about tire rotation is how often it needs to be done. Generally, tires should be moved after putting anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 miles on them. This is the amount of driving it takes to put heavy wear on the tires and create a noticeable difference between the front and back tires. But you don’t even need to count the miles if you’re already taking your car in for regular oil changes. In fact, mechanics will often perform this service at the same time to save you the trouble of bringing your car back. If you need someone to rotate your tires for you, look no further than RNR Tire Express. Our tire shops in Knoxville, TN, are staffed by top-notch mechanics and tire service professionals to ensure your car receives the best level of care. We also carry a wide selection of tires to replace any models that are too worn.