If you have had your vehicle in for tire service – fixing a flat, buying new tires, etc., it is recommended that you should rotate your tires per the manufacturer's recommendations or every 5,000 miles. There are several reasons this is a good idea.
Here are 3 key reasons.
Even Wear and Tear
Every time you drive your vehicle, your tires are exposed to the elements, road conditions, debris, etc. Each tire has specific points that are exposed to wear and tear over other spots.
Over time, that can create uneven wearing on one or more tires and reduce their lifespan. Rotating them distributes that wear and tear to different places, for each tire, after each rotation.
Additionally, road wear affects your front tires differently than your rear tires. This is because the front tires have wear points that are more affected by braking and turning. Your rear tires absorb wear and tear as well, but it is not as pronounced as your front tires.
Tire Lifespan
As soon as you start driving, your tires become engaged in a battle with friction. Friction will eventually win against even the best tires on the market, but by rotating your tires when you are supposed to do so, you distribute the results of friction across all four tires, and that over time will extend the life of your tires.
Safety
When you rotate your tires the wear and tear your front tires take is spread evenly across all your tires. This means that there will not be one particular spot that is more vulnerable to puncture or blowing out. The result of that is a safer drive over the life of your tires, at least as far as tire weak points are concerned.
Safety is also impacted by tread depth. Tires that are rotated on time will have roughly the same depth, which can help keep traction.
Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles or according to the manufacturer's recommendations may seem like a hassle. It will save you in the long run, however, and it will ensure you have a safer, more stable ride.