How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

So, how often should you rotate your tires? The general recommendation ranges between 5,000 to 8,000 miles intervals between tire rotations. This is a good ground rule to keep in mind when following your own maintenance routine, but the exact figures can vary from model to model and depending on how you use your car. That said, always check your owner’s manual for the specifics of your car. Are you still curious how many miles to rotate tires with your Bardstown vehicle? Keep reading this guide from the folks at Bob Swope Ford and your trusted service center near Shepherdsville.

When to Rotate Tires: FWD & RWD Vehicles

Front-wheel and rear-wheel drive have the power sent to the respective names. In front-wheel drive cars, the power is sent to the front tires, while the opposite is true for rear-wheel drive. RWD has the power sent to the back tires. With these systems, half of your tires are getting the bulk of the engine power and will thus wear down faster than the other half. If you drive a FWD or RWD vehicle, keep these ideas in mind:

• How many miles to rotate tires: If you are driving FWD or RWD cars, they should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for exact figures on your vehicle.
• If you’re doing a FWD tire rotation yourself, flip sides when moving the rear tires forward. So, the rear right tire will go on the front left. However, when moving the front tires to the back, keep them on the same side.
• Invert the above process when performing a rotation on RWD vehicles. Switching sides when moving the front tires to the back, and keeping the rear tires on the same side when moving them forward.
• Your driving habits, like off-roading, will impact how often you need to rotate your tires. Our team of service experts at Bob Swope Ford can give you a better idea of a maintenance schedule that fits your driving habits.

When to Rotate Tires: AWD Drivetrain Process

Is your Ford model an all-wheel drive configuration? Then you’ll have your own frequency and pattern of tire rotation. In this case, the power from your engine is delivered to every wheel. The rotation must be done in a specific way and in smaller intervals. AWD tires should usually be rotated every 3,000 – 5,000 miles, and if you use AWD frequently on the job site or your adventures in Fort Knox. You know how many miles to rotate tires, but here’s the pattern to follow:

1. The left rear goes to the right front spot.
2. The right rear goes to the left front spot.
3. The right front goes to the left rear spot.
4. The left front goes to the right rear spot.

We recommend drawing a diagram of your drivetrain and using color-coded arrows to help you move your tires properly and to help simplify the process for yourself. However, you can always rely on our Bob Swope Ford team for an easier service process! 

Schedule Your Next Tire Rotation at Bob Swope Ford Today!

After exploring how many miles to rotate tires and how often should you rotate tires on your Hodgenville drives, you can explore additional information regarding your tire care with our team at Bob Swope Ford! Contact us today, and our certified technicians will be available to help answer your questions and solve your problems. And when it’s time for your next tire rotation, schedule your service appointment at our service center in Elizabethtown.