Is tire rotation necessary?
2 Answers
Tire rotation is necessary as it ensures even wear across all four tires, thereby extending their service life. Generally, a four-tire rotation should be performed every 20,000 kilometers. After rotation, it is essential to rebalance the tires. Failure to do so may result in steering wheel and vehicle body vibrations during driving. Situations requiring tire replacement include: 1. Tires worn down to the tread wear indicator must be replaced; 2. Aged tires; 3. Tires with tread deformation or bead damage, those with sidewall damage from driving underinflated, or those chemically corroded should not be used; 4. Bulging tires must not be used; 5. Any other damage compromising tire safety also necessitates replacement.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I firmly believe that tire rotation is absolutely necessary—not just for safety, but also to save money and hassle. I remember when I first bought my car and didn’t know much about this; after driving over 20,000 kilometers, I discovered the front tires were worn to shreds, nearly causing a blowout, while the rear tires were still in good condition. Later, following the advice of a repair shop, I started rotating my tires regularly every 8,000 kilometers. Now, the wear is much more even, and a set of tires lasts five or six years, saving me a lot on replacement costs. Don’t think rotation is a hassle—it’s actually quite simple. You can do it at home with a jack, just swapping the front and rear tires as per the manual. Different car types, like front-wheel-drive vehicles, tend to wear front tires faster, making this service even more essential. Neglecting rotation can lead to unstable steering, especially dangerous at high speeds. My neighbor once totaled his car because of this. Anyway, just mention it during routine maintenance and let the technician handle the check—safe and effortless.