How Often Should Car Tires Be Rotated?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, new cars or new tires should undergo their first rotation at 5,000 kilometers, followed by rotations every 10,000 kilometers thereafter. A four-wheel alignment should be performed at 30,000 kilometers or when new tires are installed. Below are some key points about tire rotation: 1. Purpose of tire rotation: Tire rotation should be carried out promptly according to the vehicle maintenance schedule, especially the initial rotation after the break-in period of a new car, as it significantly impacts tire lifespan. Therefore, timely tire rotation is essential to prolong tire service life. 2. Principle of tire rotation: Since each tire operates under different conditions and loads (with rear tires typically bearing greater loads than front tires in trucks, while front tires bear more in passenger cars), and given that left-hand drive vehicles usually turn left at higher speeds than right turns, the right-side tires experience greater pressure during left turns. After a certain mileage, the outer edges of the right-side tires will show the most severe wear.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that tire rotation is a great trick to extend their lifespan. Generally, I rotate them every 10,000 kilometers. For example, the rear tires of front-wheel-drive cars wear slower, so swapping them helps balance the wear. The manual usually recommends this frequency, though it varies by vehicle—some suggest 8,000 to 9,000 kilometers. I've done it myself to save on repair shop costs, but remember safety first when using a jack. Also, keep an eye on tread wear; if one side is wearing faster, rotate them sooner rather than waiting for damage. Checking tire pressure after rainy days or highway driving helps too—this habit has added a year or two to my tires, saving money and improving safety. Time-wise, if the car hasn't been driven for over six months, it's good to check the tires to avoid aging and deterioration from prolonged storage.
