Tire rotation is the perennial subject of large amounts of myth and misinformation. Unfortunately, such misinformation leads many car owners to the belief that tire rotation simply isn't important. If you would like to get your facts straight about tire rotation—and learn what you'll need to undertake this relatively simple task on your own—read on. This article will provide a useful overview to the topic of tire rotation.
The Importance of Rotation
The main benefit to be derived from tire rotation is the prolongation of your tires' lifespan. This is accomplished by ensuring that all of the tires wear down at the same rate—something that won't happen if you always leave them on the same wheels. That's because the front and back tires are subject to different amounts of stress and wear.
To better understand why this is, it is helpful to realize that the front and rear axles support different proportions of a car's weight. The front tires are responsible for supporting 60 percent of the vehicle weight while the rear tires bear only 40 percent. Not only that, but different parts of each individual tire wear differently, thanks to the fact that turns put a greater amount of stress on the outer rim of a tire.
If you never rotated your tires, these factors would cause certain tires to need replacement long before others—an unnecessary expense. Beyond that, this would also mean that not all of your tires were providing the same level of traction. In other words, the overall safety of your car would be compromised. Proper rotation improves both safety and financial efficiency by promoting even wear.
Rotating Tools
The nice thing about performing your own tire rotation is that it doesn't require a whole lot, tool-wise. Most important of all is a sturdy car jack. Don't be fooled into thinking that the emergency jack tucked into your trunk is an appropriate option. While these jacks will suffice for roadside emergencies, they don't offer the level of support necessary for tire rotation. Instead, you'll want to upgrade to a hydraulic floor jack.
In addition, it helps to have a few jack stands around. These are placed beneath the edge of the car once it has been raised up with the jack. This helps to prevent tipping and other balance issues, thus allowing you to work in safety. Finally, you'll need a lug wrench for removing the bolts that hold each of your tires in place. Once you've got all these tools on hand, you'll be fully prepared to rotate your tires.
Talk to a company such as Dugan Oil and Tire for more information.
