Editor’s Note: This blog post, originally published in April 2019, was updated in July 2024 to reflect Mandi Lopez-Brown’s new job title and other useful information.
“Tires are like shoes,” says Mandi Lopez-Brown, General Manager at Car-Mart of Tulsa South, Oklahoma.. “The more you drive your vehicle, the more your tires will experience wear and tear,” she continues. “Just as you will need new shoes, you will need new tires. Don’t ignore them.”
According to Car-Mart expert Mandi, rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is best.
But what exactly does that mean? Tire rotation is moving the wheels and tires from one position to another to ensure even tire wear.
So, why is this important?
Tires on the front axle must accomplish different things than those on the rear axle. “As you drive your vehicle, each wheel wears differently. You may notice this on your shoes – one shoe may wear on the side or the back depending on how you walk,” remarks Mandi. “Maintaining an even amount of treadwear on all four tires is important.”
Mandi notes 5 reasons to rotate your tires:
- Extended tire life
- Increased safety
- Better gas mileage
- Smoother ride
- Enhanced vehicle performance
In addition, many tire mileage warranties require rotation to keep the warranty valid on your tires. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires at the same time you get your oil changed, whether your tires show uneven wear signs or not.
Mandi advises to check two aspects of your tires regularly:
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Use a tire gauge to check the pressure. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct pressure for your vehicle.
- Check the pressure when the tires are cold; they heat up as you drive.
- Check the tread on your tires
- If your tires look smooth and worn, it may be time for new tires.
- If you place a penny headfirst into several tread grooves in the tire and see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are worn. Time to replace your tires.
- Keep your tires properly inflated
“Tires are a substantial investment, so take care of them,” Mandi advises. “The bottom line is don’t skip tire rotation. Your tires will stay safe and reliable much longer and deliver better performance and handling.”
Also, be sure to review our other blog articles on taking care of your vehicle:
- 10 basic car maintenance tips
- 8 things to know about oil changes
- 6 tips to extend the life of your battery
- Check your 4 filters – air, cabin, fuel, oil
- When to check your brakes
- The importance of wiper blades
- Make washing your car a part of your maintenance routine
Has your vehicle reached the end of its life expectancy, and is it time for a new one? Let us put you in an affordable, quality, used vehicle – with good tires – today. Check out our inventory at one of our locations or go online at https://www.car-mart.com/cars/.
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Plus, get pre-qualified so you’ll know the amount you pre-qualify for BEFORE you get to the dealerships.
