Tyre rotation is one of those vehicle maintenance tasks that, while seemingly minor, can significantly extend the life of your tyres and improve your vehicle’s performance. At KBC Tyres, we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of tyre rotation, explaining the why, the when, and the how of this essential practice.
Why Rotate Your Tyres?
The primary reason to rotate your tyres is to ensure even tyre wear. Each tyre on your vehicle bears a different amount of weight, which means they wear down at different rates. For instance, front tyres on front-wheel-drive vehicles carry more of the vehicle’s weight and also handle all the steering forces. This often results in the front tyres wearing down faster than the rear ones. By rotating your tyres, you’re essentially balancing out the wear, which can prolong the life of all tyres, improve gas mileage, and ensure that your vehicle handles in a stable and predictable manner.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tyres?
At KBC Tyres, we recommend rotating your tyres every 10 000km. However, this is a general guideline, and your specific needs may vary depending on your vehicle type, tyre type, and driving habits. It’s always a good idea to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, if you start noticing uneven wear patterns or your vehicle begins to pull to one side, it might be time for a tyre rotation regardless of the mileage.
How to Rotate Your Tyres
The tyre rotation pattern depends on several factors, including whether your tyres are directional or non-directional, and whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. For non-directional tyres, a common rotation pattern is to move the front tyres to the rear, and the rear tyres to the front. If you’re not comfortable performing a tyre rotation yourself, or if you’re unsure about the correct rotation pattern for your vehicle, you can go to your nearest tyre shop for rotation, balancing, and alignment.
Rotating your tyres is a simple yet crucial part of vehicle maintenance that shouldn’t be overlooked. By ensuring even tyre wear, you’ll not only extend the life of your tyres but also enhance your vehicle’s handling and safety. Remember, at KBC Tyres, we’re here to assist with all your tyre needs, from rotation and alignment to selection and installation. Keep your vehicle running smoothly by giving your tyres the attention they deserve.
While you are seeing to maintenance, make sure you check out more about tyre pressure.
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