Tyre rotation is a maintenance practice that involves periodically changing the position of your vehicle's tyres. This process promotes even tread wear across all tyres by moving them to different positions, typically from front to back or in a crisscross pattern. By distributing the wear more evenly, tyre rotation helps extend the lifespan of your tyres, improves traction, and enhances overall performance. Regularly scheduling tyre rotations as recommended by the manufacturer can help maximize tyre longevity and ensure a safer and smoother driving experience.
It may seem trivial, but swapping the tyres around on your vehicle is more important than you realise. Modern tyre tread patterns, and the introduction of many front-wheel drive cars, have increased the importance of regular tyre rotation. (Front-wheel drive considerably influences wear on both the driven front tyres and the rolling rear tyres.)
Tyre rotation can:
- Maximise overall tread life
- Even-out front and rear wear patterns
- Quieten tyre noise and lessen vibration.
To maintain the direction of rotation, move the tyres from front to rear. Depending on tyre wear, consider rotating your tyres every 5 - 10,000 km. Owners of vehicles with different sized front and rear tyres should consult their nearest JAX Tyres Service Centre.
What happens if you never rotate your tyres?
If you never rotate your tyres, there's a high chance you'll be driving with uneven tread.
And, there's only so long that you can drive on uneven tyres without handling or performance issues, or worse yet, an accident occurring.
Increased fuel consumption
When tyres do wear your car is forced to work harder to connect with the ground and get moving. This often means you'll chomp up excess fuel and be making stops at the servo far more frequently.
Steering issues
Worn down wheels also lead to poor handling meaning you may experience issues with steering and struggle to hold steady on the road.
"There's only so long that you can drive on uneven tyres without handling or performance issues, or worse yet, an accident occurring."
Tyre failure / risk of puncture
Without the proper care and attention your tyres will also begin to be more susceptible to hazards on the road. When you avoid tyre rotation, you put yourself at higher risk of a flat or, even worse, tyre failure.
Noise, vibration and reduced grip with the road
Tyres are carefully designed to not only be functional but also, provide a smooth, safe and comfortable ride.
The tread pattern on your tyre is made to grip and provide traction, without this you are at risk of skidding and losing control of your car, particularly in wet conditions.
Unable to perform as they should your tyres will no longer effortlessly connect with the road for sleek and easy movement with minimal noise.
Without even tread, you're likely to hear and feel every bump and vibration on the road
How and where can I get my tyres rotated
Tyre rotation is a job best kept for tyre and auto specialists. At Jax we offer full vehicle inspections to ensure your wheels are balanced, your tread is even and your car is performing at its best.
- When was the last time your wheels were checked?
- Has it been over 5,000kms since they were rotated?
Book in for a Vehicle Service at a JAX Tyres & Auto Near Me!
Tyre rotation is when you swap the tyres around on your car at regular scheduled intervals to allow for more even wear and to increase their lifespan.
It’s necessary because each wheel on your car wears down a little differently.
Different parts of the car have different weight loads, and front and rear wheels perform slightly different jobs.
“It may seem trivial, but swapping the tyres around on your vehicle is more important than you realise.”
Front tyres also tend to experience far more wear and tear than rears - largely due to the fact that they absorb most of the impact of braking and steering.
By rotating your tyres and moving them to different positions on the car, the tread is able to wear down more evenly.
How often you need to rotate your tyres depends on the type of car you have, the way you drive it, and the kinds of roads you drive on.
As a rough guide, consider booking in with a qualified JAX tyre and auto professional every 5,000kms.
"By rotating your tyres, the tread is able to wear down more evenly".
It’s recommended that you have your tyres rebalanced after each and every tyre rotation.
Most auto specialists will do this as standard to ensure each wheel is properly weighted and that you get the best possible wear over time.
When a new tyre is fitted to your car, small metal attachments are clamped to the rim.
The tyre is then tested on a spinning machine and the metal attachments are adjusted until the tyre spins steadily.
Even the smallest difference in weight distribution on your tyre can cause shaking or vibrations when driving.
Rebalancing after tyre rotation prevents any issues like this.
