Tire Rotation

Maximize Tread Life: The Role of Tire Rotation

The tread is the part of the tire that is in contact with the road. If you want to extend your tread life, tire rotation is a vital part of tire maintenance. 

Tire rotation isn’t just for vehicles that are front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD). It’s also useful for all-wheel drive (AWD) models. While rotating tires is a simple maintenance task, choosing a professional tire rotation service is highly recommended. 

At Ryan's Auto Care, we offer complete tire inspection and rotation for all types of vehicles.

Understanding Tire Rotation

Tire rotation refers to routinely changing the position of the tires on a vehicle. The purpose behind rotating tires is to attain uniform tread wear. 

Some tires are more prone to wear than others. For instance, front tires get worn out faster than rear tires because they do more work when the vehicle turns. This is true even for AWD vehicles: under normal conditions, the front wheels get more power. As a result, the treads of the different tires can become uneven. 

Because of this, regular tire rotation is recommended by vehicle manufacturers.

Tire Rotation Benefits

Rotating your vehicle’s tires routinely offers several benefits:

• Even Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear can affect the tires' traction, as tires with more wear will have lower traction. Rotating tires will even out the wear over time. 
• Even Tire Tread Depth: Tire tread depth can also get uneven with use and wear. The tires that get more power and turn more will see their tread depth decrease faster. Rotating the tires will even out the treads, ensuring uniform depth. 
• Longer Life: Regular tire rotation based on your recommended maintenance schedule and vehicle use can ensure that tires last longer before needing replacement. 
• Less Stress on Drivetrain: On AWD, tire rotation helps to ensure that tires have uniform wear, which puts less demand on the drivetrain (transmission, axle, wheels, etc.). Poor tire balance can stress drivetrain components, resulting in expensive repairs. 
• Performance and Handling: Uneven wear on tires can negatively impact vehicle performance, handling, and overall drive feel.

Tire Rotation Patterns

The optimal tire rotation pattern mainly depends on your vehicle type and specific tires. Generally, tires are rotated in two ways:

Front-to-Back Tire Rotation

In this pattern, tires are rotated from the front to the back and vice versa. This pattern is common for FWD and RWD vehicles. However, AWD vehicle tires can also use front-to-back rotation, provided the tire sizes match. Tires with a direction to their tread must be rotated front-to-back to keep the direction as intended. 

Side-to-Side Tire Rotation

In this pattern, tires are rotated from side to side. This pattern of rotation is necessary for vehicles with uneven tire sizes on the front and rear. 



Some vehicles may benefit from a combination of front-to-back and side-to-side rotation, also called diagonal or X rotation. These are typically AWD vehicles with non-directional tires. 

Tire Rotation Frequency: How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

You can find your recommended tire rotation interval in your vehicle’s manual, but in general, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. However, depending on your usage, you may benefit from a more frequent rotation. 

The professionals at Ryan's Auto Care can inspect the condition of your tires and let you know if you’re due for a tire rotation or need a tire replacement. 

Where to Get Your Tires Rotated

Taking your vehicle to the professionals at Ryan's Auto Care for rotation tire service also allows you to get the tires inspected or have wheel alignment performed. Misaligned wheels can also lead to uneven tire tread.

Contact Ryan's Auto Care for Tire Rotation and Tire Service

If you're looking to rotate your vehicle’s tires in Lake Mills, WI, contact Ryan's Auto Care for the most reliable and cost-effective tire services. We inspect tires for wear and damage before rotating them to ensure even balance and tread. Whether you drive FWD or AWD, our tire experts can service your tires to extend their lifespan and ensure that your vehicle’s drive is smooth and safe. 

Call us today at (920) 648-2009 to book an appointment for your next tire rotation!