What Does Rotating Your Tires Do?

Rotating your tires

Diligent car owners in Raleigh know they need to have their tires rotated at regular intervals, but have you ever wondered why you rotate tires? What does rotating your tires do, exactly? Your tire treads wear at varying rates as you drive through Cary, so tire rotation is designed to prevent one or two tires from wearing out faster than the others. In the guide below, the Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint service center provides more detailed information on why we rotate tires, how often to rotate tires, and more!

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DRIVETRAIN AND TIRE TREAD WEAR

Each time you take off, hit the brakes, or turn a corner in Raleigh, you’re creating friction between your tires and the road. The friction affects your tire tread wear differently depending on your drivetrain type:

  • Front-Wheel Drivetrain: FWD sends the bulk of power to the front wheels, which also handle the brunt of steering, starting, and the majority of brake force. As a result, the front wheels wear out faster than the rear.
  • Rear-Wheel Drivetrain: RWD sends the bulk of power to the rear wheels, but the front wheels still carry the weight of the steering and a good amount of brake force. You’ll still find that your rear wheels wear out faster than the front, but it should occur at a slower rate.
  • All-Wheel Drivetrain: In addition to offering greater traction in Chapel Hill, AWD has the added advantage of distributing power more evenly across all four wheels. However, many industry experts will tell you that the rear wheels will still wear out at a faster rate.
  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drivetrains: Intelligent AWD is an advanced drivetrain system offered on some vehicles that can send power to whichever wheel can use it best. Over time, this could result in one or two wheels wearing at a faster rate.

HOW OFTEN TO ROTATE TIRES

The average tire rotation interval is every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. As with many maintenance intervals, the actual number might vary based on your make and model, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual for more information. If you have any remaining questions about how often to rotate your tires, our service team would be glad to provide answers. Simply fill out a contact form to get started!

WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF I DON’T ROTATE MY TIRES?

Without regular tire rotation, your tires will be left to wear out at uneven rates. The effects of this are unpleasant can include:

  • Compromised traction and skidding on wet or slick roads
  • Faster wear on brake pads
  • An unexpected flat tire or a full-on blowout

SCHEDULE TIRE ROTATION IN DURHAM, NC

When you need a tire rotation or a new set of tires in the Durham, NC area, turn to Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint. Schedule an appointment online to get started with us today! We offer rotating service specials, often including tire rotation coupons and new tire rebates to help you save on essential maintenance.