What happens if you don't get tires rotated?

Without regular rotations, tire treads can wear down unevenly to create a rough and potentially unstable driving surface. In the end, this type of tire tread wear may decrease your safety on the road – think heat buildup, hydroplaning, poor traction in snow and ice, and an increased risk of punctures and blowouts.

How long will tires last if you don't rotate them?

A 60,000-mile (96,561-kilometer) tire run without rotation may last, say, 50,000 miles (80,467 kilometers). But with rotation there is good chance that same tire could reach 60,000 miles (96,561 kilometers), given the right conditions.

Is it really necessary to rotate your tires?

Tire rotation is necessary if you want your tires to last as long as possible. Rotating tires equalizes the wear that tires receive. If you opt not to rotate your tires, that's fine, but you'll likely end up buying more tires in the long run. And tires are expensive.

Can rotating tires mess up alignment?

Alignment Off After Tire Rotation

Since rotating tires doesn't affect alignment, a damaged tire on the rear may have been rotated to the front axle. A tire with broken belts or other problems can cause slight pulling to one side.

Can I rotate my own tires?

As part of basic car maintenance, rotating tires should be completed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This ensures that the tires wear evenly. While many people choose to have this maintenance professionally done, you can learn how to rotate tires and complete the task as a DIY project at home.

Watch what happens if you don't balance and rotate your tires!!!

How often to rotate tires if you don't drive much?

Unless you drive fewer than about 7,500 miles per year, it's a good idea to rotate tires every six months or so to prevent uneven wear. The tires mounted on the drive wheels of any vehicle perform extra duty because they apply the power to the pavement.

How long does a tire rotation take?

Typically, a tire rotation at our dealership takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. Every manufacturer will have different things to say about rotating the tires, but generally speaking, it should be completed with your oil change–every 5,000 miles or so.

How often should you rotate tires?

Namely, it's a best practice to rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so. This is a rule of thumb, however, and you'll want to double-check with your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific information.

Can I rotate my own tires without balancing them?

It's not completely necessary to balance tires when rotating, but it is a good idea to do so. When performed by a shop, the balancing procedure is inexpensive, so its usually paired with the rotation. If you're doing a rotation job yourself, it's up to you whether you want to also balance.

How do I know if I have directional tires?

Directional tyres are marked on the side, i.e. on the tyre's sidewall. You will see the word "Rotation" or "Direction" written here. Next to it, there is a small arrow which indicates the tyre's forward direction (rolling direction). Directional tyres are marked on the side, i.e. on the tyre's sidewall.

How much does it cost to balance tires?

Wheel Balancing

A typical wheel balance service costs anywhere from $15–$50 per tire.

How long are tires good for?

On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.

How long should an oil change and a tire rotation take?

These tasks add years of life to your vehicle's engine and tire. But how long should an oil change and tire rotation take? if you bring it into a shop, the tasks take about 30 minutes all together. If you do it yourself, it will take about 1 hour.

Should I get my tires rotated every oil change?

As a general rule of thumb, you should rotate your tires about every six to eight thousand miles. A good way to remember is to have them rotated every time you get an oil change. You may need to get your tires rotated more often if you drive a performance vehicle, for instance, or if you notice substantial uneven wear.

Is it OK to rotate tires front to back?

Just remember, “cross to drive”. Directional treads are designed to perform in the direction denoted on the tire sidewall only. They must always be rotated front to rear — no matter the vehicle they are installed on — so the direction of the rotation does not change.

Is it OK to buy 2 year old tires?

Old “New” Rubber

The tread is good, and the manufacture stickers may still be on it. When tires reach a certain age the rubber begins to dry out and crack. That can make it unsafe for road use because it may run the risk of blowing out, falling apart, or lose traction during bad road conditions.

Why do new car tires wear out so fast?

New tires or factory tires wear out quickly because car manufacturers use soft rubber for their tires. This soft rubber wears out much faster than aftermarket tires.

Are 7 year old tires safe?

Old tires are dangerous, regardless of tread depth. While there's no federally sanctioned safety guidance on when a tire is too old to be safe, many carmakers recommend replacement at six years from the date of manufacture. Old tires have been the culprit in fatal accidents.

What do Unbalanced tires feel like?

Balancing also contributes to ride comfort: Imbalanced tires will wobble or hop up and down, which causes vibration. If a front tire isn't properly balanced you'll likely feel vibration in the steering wheel. If the problem is in the rear the tremor will be noticeable in the seat or floor.

Is Wheel Balancing the same as alignment?

While both services contribute to a smoother ride, tire balancing and wheel alignment are not the same services. A tire balance corrects the weight imbalance on your tire and wheel assemblies, while an alignment corrects the angles of the tires so they always come in contact with the road in the right way.

How do I know if I need an alignment?

Why are my tires loud after rotation?

Loud tire noise after rotation is usually caused by uneven wear patterns before the tires were rotated. These uneven wear patterns can cause humming or helicopter-like sounds until they tires wear in. If you had uneven tire wear before your tire rotation, you likely have a poor alignment problem.

What do directional tires look like?

Another way to tell if you have directional tires is by looking at the tread pattern on the tires. A directional tire will have a unique looking tread compared with other types of tires. The tread pattern will form a v-shape or a y-shape when you face the tire from the front.

Why do my tires say inside and outside?

If you have directional tires on your vehicle, they are simply marked by an arrow, and most of the time the word rotation, or direction of rotation, etc. Asymmetrical tires have an inside and outside to their tread. Tire manufactures will often do this to optimize the traction and wear capabilities of the tire.