A new set of tyres can last anywhere from 10,000 to over 50,000 kilometers, but this depends on several factors, such as vehicle type, driving style, tyre type, vehicle condition and maintenance. Sports car tyres, aggressive driving, winter tyres, improper suspension alignment, or lack of tyre maintenance can shorten the tyre life. On the other hand, commuter tyres, responsible driving, low rolling resistance, proper suspension alignment, and regular maintenance can extend the life of your tyres.
Regular maintenance is essential for tyre life. Worn suspension components, such as ball joints, bushings, or shock absorbers and struts can cause abnormal tyre wear. Tyre rotation can also improve tyre life, but how? Let’s find out.
Why should you Rotate Tyres?
Tyres experience different forces, depending on where they are mounted, resulting in different wear patterns. Front tyres on front-engine vehicles carry more weight than rear-mounted ones, and front-wheel drive adds even more weight to the front tyres. These disproportionate forces result in the front tyres tending to wear faster and differently than the rear ones.
Tyre rotation distributes these different types of wear to more than one tyre. For example, rear tyres tend to wear flat, while front ones tend to wear shoulders. Swapping them between front and rear and vice-versa gives the “rear” tyre a chance to carry the shoulders and the “front” tyre a chance to carry the centre. This prolongs the life of the tyre set and reduces the risk of abnormal wear, causing noise and vibration.
When should you Rotate the Tyres of your Vehicle?
Tyre manufacturers recommend rotating tyres every six months or 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, although this may vary depending on vehicle and tyre needs.
Also Read: Brake System Flush Service
How is Tyre rotation Performed?
- Inspect the tyres for signs of wear and deterioration
- Investigate the wear on your tyres
- Tyres are removed and rotated
Wrapping Up
When you neglect to rotate the tyres, you will risk ending up with uneven tyre wear and replacing 2 out of 4 tyres more quickly. However, this technique is not recommended if you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, which will require replacing the four tyres simultaneously. Tyre rotation is an essential element that should not be overlooked. However, it should not be carried out haphazardly! If you are looking for a tyre rotation service, get an expert mechanic service from Swezo.
