How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

One of the most common questions our Bloomfield Hills service center receives is, ‘how often should you rotate your tires?’ Most vehicles can get by with a tire rotation every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but your owner’s manual may specify otherwise. Additionally, when to rotate tires may vary between drivers in West Bloomfield based on individual driving habits. Learn more about tire rotation with our service experts, below!

FWD and RWD Tire Rotation

Front- and rear-wheel drive designate where engine power is sent; on a front-wheel-drive car the power is sent to the front tires, and on a rear-wheel-drive car it is sent to the rear tires. As such, the tires receiving the brunt of the power are bound to wear out faster. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind if you’re driving a FWD or RWD vehicle:

• The standard 5,000 to 7,500-mile interval is suitable for both FWD and RWD cars, though you should still consult your owner’s manual for more details.
• If you want to attempt a FWD tire rotation at home in Southfield, remember that you’ll need to flip sides when you move the rear tires upfront. So, the rear right tire goes to the front left, while the rear left tire goes to the front right. When moving the front tires to the back, however, you will keep them on the same side.
• As you may have surmised, RWD cars use the same process as above but in reverse. The front right tire should move to the rear left, while the front left tire should move to the rear right. The rear tires should stay on the same side when they go to the front.

• It’s handy to note that your driving habits may affect the answer for when to rotate tires on your vehicle. If you like to go off-roading or partake in weekend racing events, you may need more frequent rotation. If you’re ever unsure, you can chat with our service team for an expert recommendation.

AWD Tire Rotation

Need to know how many miles to rotate tires on an all-wheel-drive car? All four tires wear differently and at different rates on these vehicles, so they’re usually recommended a more frequent rotation schedule of 3,000 to 5,000 miles. To avoid rotating AWD tires too often or not often enough, check your owner’s manual for an exact figure.

Why is it Important to Rotate Tires?

Now you know how many miles to rotate tires, but you may be questioning whether it’s really that important to do so. Following a regular tire rotation schedule is an essential maintenance task not only because it helps get the full lifespan out of your tires, but also for the following reasons:

• Tire rotation keeps your vehicle safe by improving your traction on slick roads
• You’ll enjoy a quieter ride with less road noise
• It relives your drivetrain of unnecessary strain

Local drivers know all too well how hazardous the winter roads can get in Birmingham, and regular tire rotation will help to keep you and your passengers safe. Of course, even with tire rotation at every required interval, your tires can’t last forever. When it’s time for a new set, you can turn to the tire center at Mercedes-Benz of Bloomfield Hills! You’ll find great tire rebates and more in our service specials to help take care of the cost, too.

Contact Us to Learn More

Can’t recall the last time your car’s tires were rotated? It’s probably time to schedule service with us in Bloomfield Hills. If you have any additional questions about how often you should rotate your tires in the meantime, you can contact us online or call us directly at (248) 644-8400!