Should you rotate your tyres?

Ever wondered if rotating your tyres really makes a difference? The short answer is yes; it does. Tyre rotation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to extend the life of your tyres and improve your car’s handling. Whether you drive long distances or mostly stick to local roads, regular tyre rotation can help your tyres wear evenly, saving you money and improving safety.  

In this blog, we’ll break down what tyre rotation is, how often you should do it, and how it impacts your vehicle’s performance. 

 

What is Tyre Rotation? 

Tyre rotation is the process of moving your tyres from one position on the vehicle to another to ensure even tread wear. This typically involves switching the front tyres to the rear and vice versa, sometimes crossing sides depending on your vehicle’s drivetrain (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, etc.). 

By rotating your tyres regularly, you allow all four tyres to wear down more evenly, which not only extends their lifespan but also enhances your car’s stability and braking performance. 

 

Why Is Tyre Rotation Important? 

Different tyres wear at different rates depending on your vehicle setup.  

For example: 

• Front-wheel drive vehicles put more pressure on the front tyres, wearing them down faster. 

• Rear-wheel drive cars may experience more wear on the back tyres due to power distribution. 

• All-wheel drive vehicles should have all four tyres wearing at similar rates, making regular rotation even more important. 

Without regular rotation, you could end up with one or two tyres wearing out significantly faster than the others, leading to reduced grip, uneven braking, and potentially higher replacement costs. 

 

Tyre Rotation: How Often You Should Do It 

Generally, you should rotate your tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. That’s about every six months for the average driver in the UK. However, it’s always best to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual, as some car models might require different intervals based on the weight distribution and drive configuration. 

If you get your car serviced or have an oil change, that can be a good time to request a tyre rotation as part of your regular vehicle maintenance. 

 

What Happens If You Don’t Rotate Your Tyres? 

If you don’t rotate your tyres, you might notice: 

• One pair of tyres is wearing out much faster 

• Reduced fuel efficiency 

• Noisy or rougher rides 

• Poor handling or pulling to one side 

• Uneven braking performance 

Over time, uneven tyre wear can also cause strain on your suspension system, which could result in even more costly repairs. Are your tyres wearing out? Buy new ones, here. If you want to reuse your old tyres you also can do that too! 

 

How to Rotate Your Tyres 

While it’s always best to have a professional carry out the rotation, especially if your tyres are directional or your vehicle has a complex drivetrain. 

Here’s a basic overview of how it’s done: 

• Front-wheel drive: Swap front tyres with rear tyres, and switch sides (e.g. left front moves to right rear). 

• Rear-wheel drive: Rear tyres move to the front (same side), and front tyres cross sides to the rear. 

• All-wheel drive: A criss-cross pattern is often used to balance wear more evenly. 

Remember, directional tyres (with specific tread direction) and staggered tyre setups (different sizes front and back) require a different approach, so always check your manual or speak to a specialist. 

 

Is Tyre Rotation the Same as Wheel Alignment? 

No, although they’re often confused, they’re different services. Tyre rotation is about moving tyres to different positions, while wheel alignment ensures the wheels are positioned at the correct angles. 

If your steering feels off or your car pulls to one side, it’s worth booking in for a wheel alignment too. 

 

Should You Rotate Your Tyres Yourself? 

If you have the right tools (a jack, torque wrench, and axle stands) and confidence in your skills, you can rotate your tyres at home. However, for most drivers, visiting a professional tyre fitter like Merityre Specialists is the safest and easiest option. We can also check for signs of wear, damage, or pressure issues during your rotation. 

 

Book Tyre Rotation at Merityre 

If your car is due new tyres, here at Merityre Specialists, we supply a wide range of tyres from leading tyre manufacturers to suit all budgets. All of our car tyres are fitted by trained experts at your local branch. For more information, contact our helpful team today.   Whether you’re looking for a quick rotation or a full tyre check-up, our team is here to help. 

Visit your nearest Merityre branch today.