How To Rotate Tires

To keep your new, used, and certified pre-owned Acura running at its best on Hartford and West Hartford roads, you should be rotating your tires every several thousand miles. While you can always rely on your local service experts at Acura of Avon to get the job done, you can also learn how to rotate tires at home. Learn more about how to do a tire rotation today!

Why is Tire Rotation Necessary?

A tire rotation is necessary because without it, your tires will not wear evenly. The rate at which your tires wear is also affected by your driving habits, your vehicle’s drivetrain, along with the primary location where you drive and how often you’re on the road. As your are tires constantly in use, the front tire treads may be worn down faster than the back treads or vice versa. Rotating them regularly will ensure they all wear at the same rate, so you can avoid having to replace tires one at a time.

How Often to Rotate Your Tires

Drivers behind the wheel of front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel drive vehicles can follow the recommended suggestion of having your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you have an all-wheel drive vehicle, then you may need to get your tires rotated much earlier as your tires will be experiencing more constant wear and tear. Be sure to always check your owner’s manual for accurate tire rotation recommendations for your specific model.

Tire Position

No matter if you have an AWD, FWD, or RWD Acura, changing your tires will be slightly different depending on your drivetrain. Take a look at how to rotate tires to your preferred drivetrain below:

• FWD Tires: Move the front tires to the back of the car in the same left/right positions, and when moving the rear tires to the front, switch the right and left tire.

• RWD Tires: The opposite is true with RWD vehicles. The rear tires should be moved to the front in the same left/right positions, but when moving front tires to the rear, be sure to switch the left and right tire.

How to Rotate Tires at Home

Drivers can also learn more about their vehicle by knowing how to rotate tires at home. All you need is a car jack and lug nut wrench, then follow these simple steps:

1. Engage parking brake for an extra measure of safety.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels, but don’t take them all the way off. This step makes unscrewing them when the tire is elevated much easier
3. Lift up one wheel with a car jack and place the jack stand underneath it.
4. Remove the tires one by one.
5. Take this time to make sure your tires are filled to the optimal tire pressure. Once filled, you can rotate them according to the appropriate pattern for your type of tires. Place the tire back onto the wheel mount and screw the lug nuts on by hand as far as you can.
6. Lower the car from the jack stands and use the lug wrench to finish tightening the nuts. It’s best to work the lug nuts diagonally from one to another in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. If the lug nuts aren’t tightened evenly it can cause the brake rotor to warp.

Keep Moving With Quality Acura Service at Acura of Avon

After learning how to do a tire rotation, you can find more Kia service features at Acura of Avon such as winter car prep, when to get car maintenance, and when to schedule an oil change. Don’t forget to check out our service specials to see how you can save on the auto maintenance you need to keep going. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a test drive near Manchester!