How to Rotate Tires at Home

Tire rotation is an important part of a strong maintenance schedule. Whether you want to learn how to do a tire rotation, or prefer to let our service pros handle the job, this task should not be neglected. Regular tire rotations can lead to better traction on the Neptune Beach streets and extend the life of your tires. To learn more about how to do a tire rotation in your own Orange Park garage, follow our guide below!

Why is Tire Rotation Necessary?

Due to individual driving habits and different conditions across the St. Augustine streets, tires wear out unevenly. Additionally, the outside edges of your front tires will wear more quickly due to the added impact they take on during turns. Rear wheels, on the other hand, tend to wear more evenly. So, leaving your tires in a fixed position over time will lead to uneven wear and the need to replace the set quicker. A tire rotation can help to distribute the stress that driving causes evenly across your tires. 

How Often to Rotate Your Tires 

Vehicles with front- and rear-wheel drive configurations generally require a tire rotation every 5,000-7,500 miles. All-wheel drive vehicles need tire rotations more frequently, usually between 3,000-5,000 miles, since each tire is more actively engaged. Your owner’s manual is your best source for information on the mileage interval your vehicle requires for a tire rotation. 

Tire Position

• FWD Tires: When moving front tires to the back, you can keep them on the same side. When you put your rear tires on the front, you need to switch the back left to the front right, and the back right to the front left. 

• RWD Tires: Take the opposite approach when rotating tires on RWD models. The rear tires can move to the front and stay on the same side. However, tires must be flipped when being moved from the front to the back. 

Rotating Your Tires

Before you learn how to do a tire rotation, you will need to get a hold of a car jack, jack stands, and a lug nut wrench. Once you have the necessary tools, you can learn how to rotate tires at home with the following steps:

1. Engage your parking brake for an extra layer of safety.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels, but don’t remove them completely. This will make it much easier to unscrew the tires when you elevate your vehicle. 
3. Lift up one wheel with the jack and place the jack stand beneath it. 
4. Remove each tire one by one. 
5. Take a moment to check that each tire is filled to the optimal tire pressure. Once filled, you can rotate them according to the sequence listed above. Place the tire back on the wheel mount and screw the lug nuts in as far as you can by hand. 
6. Lower the car back to the ground and use the lug wrench to finish tightening the nuts. Working in a diagonal star pattern is the best way to ensure each nut is secured evenly. If not done properly, this can cause the brake rotor to warp.

Get Assistance With Tire Rotation at Honda of the Avenues

Now that you know how to rotate tires at home, you can handle the job like a pro. If you would rather our expert team handle your car care needs, no problem! Simply schedule service with us at your convenience. Be sure to explore our service specials before your visit for added savings!