Tire Rotation in Jacksonville, FL

Whether your car is brand new or 10 years old, it needs regular maintenance, including tire rotations. Unfortunately, many drivers don't fully understand what a tire rotation is or why they need to have the service performed. So, we asked our tire experts to explain what a tire rotation is, how it's performed, and its benefits so that people understand why it's important to keep up with this routine service.

What Is a Tire Rotation?

Essentially, a tire rotation is nothing more than moving your wheels, with the tires on, from one axle to the other, with some slight variances depending on the type of vehicle. When you bring your vehicle to Keith Pierson Toyota for a tire rotation, our service technicians put your car on a lift and remove your wheels. Then, depending on the drive type, we move them.

For example, on a front-wheel-drive car, we move the front tires to the rear axle, keeping them on the same side of the vehicle. Then, we move the rear wheels to the front but place them on the opposite side. 

On a rear or four-wheel-drive vehicle, it's the opposite procedure. First, we move the rear tires to the front and keep them on the same side. Then, we move the front tires to the rear but put them on the opposite side.

Why Rotate Your Tires?

You have several good reasons to rotate your tires. First, tire rotations prolong the life of your tires. The tread on your tires wears down naturally over time because of the friction between the road and the tire. That's what tires are supposed to do, and you can't avoid it. However, you can slow down the process with regular tire rotations.

In addition to the natural friction wearing your tires, you have other contributing factors, such as weather, load, and operating conditions. For instance, the front tires on a front-wheel-drive car provide traction for steering, acceleration, and braking when driving, while the rear tires only provide traction for braking as you go.

Conversely, the rear tires on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle have to provide traction for accelerating and braking only, while the front tires provide traction for steering and braking. Additionally, cargo and passenger weight can affect how your tires wear. Finally, the weather also has an impact. For instance, heat can cause tires to wear faster in a hot, dry climate than in cooler regions.

Even driving styles can cause your tires to wear faster or slower. For example, if you enjoy carving corners in your Toyota Supra, your tires will wear faster than driving more deliberately. So, if you keep your tires in the same position, the result is uneven wear to those tires under the most significant load and operating conditions. 

You spread the uneven wear over all four tires by rotating your tires. As a result, your tires will last longer before needing replacement. However, you also get a safer vehicle. As the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, your tires play a pivotal role in your safety. Worn tires provide less traction, particularly when the road surface gets wet, slippery, or soft. The more a tire wears, the more likely your chance of experiencing a flat tire. 

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

This question depends on your vehicle. We always recommend you check your owners manual for the correct interval. However, if you don't remember the last time your tires were rotated, you probably need to have a tire rotation done. Most experts agree that you should rotate your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles or every other oil change. Our technicians can rotate your tires while they change your oil without adding time to your visit.

Signs You Need Tire Service

You can look for signs indicating you need tire service. Sometimes, these signs might also mean you need to replace your tires, or perhaps a more serious problem exists. You might need tire service, for example, if you experience a pull to either side while steering straight. Uneven wear can cause this symptom. However, you might have a problem with your steering or suspension systems. We recommend you have our technicians take a look.

Any unusual noises and vibrations may also indicate a problem with your tires. For example, you could have something lodged in your tire. Ignoring this situation only creates unsafe driving circumstances. In addition, emergency braking can cause a bald spot on your tires, triggering these symptoms. Or it could be that the structural integrity of your tire has been compromised. We strongly recommend you have a professional inspect your tires if you experience these symptoms. 

You probably have worn-out tires if you routinely experience wheel slippage or a loss of traction while steering. However, you might only need a tire rotation to address the issue. Let our technicians inspect your tires and make the appropriate recommendation.

Should You Align Your Wheels When You Rotate Your Tires?

The answer here depends on when you last had your wheels aligned. A wheel alignment returns your wheels to the precise location they belong within the steering and suspension systems. Adequately aligned wheels prevent uneven wear and improve safety, too. 

We recommend you have your wheels aligned at least once per year. However, your wheels can become misaligned from a single jarring incident, such as hitting a pothole. Properly aligned wheels also get better gas mileage.

Rotate Your Tires Today

At Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida, we provide our technicians with factory training to keep up with the latest tire services and repairs. We don't recommend waiting until you experience a problem with your tires. Instead, have our technicians inspect your tires on your next visit. If they find an issue, they can fix it fast. 

We've streamlined the process with our online service scheduling tool. With a few clicks, you can reserve a convenient day and time, or you can stop by our Youngerman Circle dealership any time. Either way, our service center professionals will quickly address any issues and get you back to your busy life.