To keep your used car going strong, getting your tires rotated regularly is an important maintenance task to stay on top of. Tire rotation not only preserves the life of your tires but also helps keep you safe on the road. But have you ever wondered why?

It keeps your tire wear even. If you never rotate your tires, your front wheels can wear down faster than your back ones. Uneven tire wear can affect the performance of your tires, their traction on their road, and your car’s handling. 

It reduces vibration and noise. When your tires aren’t rotated, they wear down unevenly and can result in a noisy drive. In addition to picking up more road noise, tires that need to be rotated can vibrate in the steering wheel due to poor handling and alignment.

It keeps you safe. Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. When they are rotated on a regular schedule, you reduce the risk of developing bald spots or areas of poor traction. This helps protect against sliding, tire blowouts, and hydroplaning.

It prolongs the life of your tires and saves you money in the long run. Regular tire rotations will save you a great deal of money down the road. Not only will your tires last longer, but you’ll steer clear of avoidable, costly repairs that could result from uneven tread, like slow leaks or a burst from uneven pressure.

How often should you get your tires rotated?

As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to rotate your tires every 6,000 miles​. However, your owner’s manual will provide the most accurate information regarding recommended tire rotation for your vehicle. There is also a fun test you can do to check the level of tread on your tires. Called ‘The Penny Test’, it’s a quick way to assess the health of your tires. To test your treads, turn the penny upside down with Lincoln’s head facing you. Insert the coin into your tire treads until the top of the coin touches the bottom of the groove. On a tire with adequate tread, the top of Lincoln’s head will disappear. However, if you can still see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread has worn down too low.​ Of course, if you have any questions about the condition of your tires, bring your used car to a professional mechanic to ensure your utmost safety.

Are you in the market for a reliable used vehicle? As a premier buy here, pay here dealership in Hampton Roads, The Auto Connection helps people in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Richmond, Eastern Shore, Smithfield, Chesapeake and Newport News, VA get the financing they need to drive away in a quality used car, truck, SUV or van. Find out how easy it is to get a quality pre-owned vehicle of your own with buy here, pay here financing from The Auto Connection.

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