Rotate your tires
Moving tires between positions evens out wear so they last longer. Most people have a shop do it; your part is knowing when it is due and what to ask for.
Remind meHavenCue can remind your household every 6 months. Free to set up.
Last reviewed against 1 official source.
Who this is for
Any driver. A few cars should not have their tires rotated, so check the manual first.
How often should I rotate my tires?
Check your owner’s manual. NHTSA says that if the vehicle maker recommends rotation, rotate every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or sooner if uneven wear appears.
From: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
What you need
Tools
- Your owner’s manual
Supplies
- None
Steps
- Check that your car’s tires can be rotatedNHTSA notes rotation is not recommended for some vehicles, and may not be possible when front and rear tires are different sizes.
- Find the interval and patternThe owner’s manual gives how often and which tire moves where.
- Note your mileageCompare today’s odometer reading with the mileage at the last rotation.
- Book it with other serviceRotation pairs well with an oil change, since the car is already in the shop.
- Ask about balance and alignmentIf the car shakes, vibrates or pulls to one side, ask a qualified technician to check wheel balance and alignment.
- Recheck the pressures afterwardsFront and rear tires can need different pressures. Set each to the label on the driver’s door.
- Record the date and mileageThat is your starting point for the next one.
Safety notes
- If you rotate tires yourself, use the jacking points and wheel-nut tightening figures in your manual, and never get under a car held up only by a jack.
- Uneven wear can be a sign of a pressure, balance or alignment problem. Have it looked at rather than just rotating it away.
When to call a professional
- Brake work of any kind. If the shop finds worn brakes with the wheels off, have a professional repair them.
- Vibration, pulling or uneven wear that continues after a rotation.
- You do not have stands and a level surface to lift the car safely.
Sources
- Tires (TireWise) (opens in a new tab)National Highway Traffic Safety Administration · Government
This guide is general information written in our own words from the sources above. Your owner’s manual and the instructions for your own equipment come first.
Tell it once. It remembers.
A check-in by date. Rotation is set by mileage in your owner’s manual.