Tire Rotation Pattern – Does it matter?
With the government in the state that it is, everyone it trying different ways to save money. One way to save money is DIY auto maintenance. If you’re not careful your car can become a huge money pit. Replacing tires is not cheap, no matter what type of care you own.
Tire rotation means changing where the individual tire is mounted on the car. Some people never have their tire rotated. Here are the reasons you need to change your tires.
Front and rear tire wear differently. Front tires carry more than 60% of the car’s weight. So front tires wear down faster than rear tires. By rotating your tires regularly you will ensure a smoother and safer ride. So in the long run you will extend the life of your tires and save yourself money.
Check your car’s owner manual for the recommended tire rotation schedule. Most manufacturers recommend that you rotate that your tires are rotated every 5000 miles. A simple way to make sure that you have your tires rotated on a regular schedule is to have it done at the same time you have your oil changed.
Directional tires have a “one-way” tread pattern that are optimized for the direction the tires rotate on the car, so they’re specifically made for either the left or right side. The grooves are angled to optimize handling, and they also do a good job of channeling water out from under the tire on wet surfaces, reducing hydroplaning and improving wet traction. The tread pattern on non-directional tires is designed in such a way that the tire can be mounted on the wheel for any direction of rotation. So you can switch which side the tires are on when you rotate them.
So, tire pattern rotation does matter. If the tires are not rotated properly, damage can be done to the car and can also make a funny noise after the rotation is completed. When taking your car in for service work, make sure that you are informed on the rotation pattern and that it lines up properly with your owners guide.
