15145 NE 90th Street RedmondLuke's Car Tips & Auto Maintenance Advice
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Luke ShaffRotate your auto tires at least once a year to ensure your tires wear at an even rate. Depending on the year and model of your vehicle, rotating your tires may be a simple DIY task or require an auto mechanic. In any case, periodic rotation ensures the longevity of your tires and prevents any one of them from wearing out way before the others do.
Why Rotate Your Tires?
Tires generally don't wear at an even rate. Front wheel and rear wheel drive cars will more quickly wear our the front or rear tires respectively. Also, the front tires are more susceptible to wear on the outer edges since they lean over when the car is turning. If your tires aren't rotated, then the front pair will wear prematurely and need to be replaced much sooner than the rear pair. Uneven tires may also create hazardous driving conditions that inhibit the vehicle's ability to make emergency maneuvers.
How to Rotate Your Redmond Auto Tires
For a front-wheel drive vehicle, move the front tires straight back. For a rear-wheel drive, which is typical among many pickups and SUVs, rotate the wheels in a diagonal pattern. In other words, the front left wheel swaps places with the rear right wheel and the front right switches with the rear left. It also wouldn't hurt to check each tire's pressure and tread depth during the rotation.
Rotating TPMS Tires
In most cases, rotating your auto tires in Redmond seems like a straightforward, elbow-grease type task. While it's true that most vehicle tires can be removed by simply jacking the automobile and removing the bolts with a torque wrench or tire iron, it may not be as simple in more modern cars, especially those equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
As suggested in its name, a TPMS monitors the tires' pressure to ensure that it's properly inflated. This increases your gas mileage and prolongs tire life. However, since a sensor is embedded within each tire, this could disrupt the system's readings if the tires are switched.
Have a Mechanic Rotate Your Tires
If your car is equipped with a TPMS, then it's best that the rotation is carried out by an auto repair service that can reset the system so that it's not inhibited by routine tire rotation. Most auto maintenance shops can perform tire rotation on your behalf if you have a TPMS equipped car or simply feel better having the job done by a professional. Luke's Automotive in Redmond offer expert auto care, friendly and trustworthy service and always fair prices.
