Set a reminder to head to Milex Complete Auto Care for a tire rotation and regular tire maintenance to keep you safe on the road.
In a single year, tire-related crashes result in 664 fatalities in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Proper tire maintenance helps increase safety, improve vehicle handling, and extend the life of your tires. A good rule of thumb is to replace your tires every 75,000 miles.
When you come in for a regular maintenance visit, Milex mechanics perform a tire rotation to ensure your wheels remain in good condition. We’ll also balance your tires and align the wheels to boost your car’s performance. We have more than 50 years of experience providing complete auto care for customers nationwide. Milex is part of Moran Family of Brands, the franchisor of six aftermarket auto and window tinting brands, including Mr. Transmission and Turbo Tint.
Tire Rotation Basics
Tire rotation is simply changing the position of the tires on your car. We recommend getting your tires rotated when you change the oil, or every 5,000 miles. Tire rotation can help extend your tires' life and facilitate smooth road handling. Your car’s tires grip the road when you press the brake, which can wear down the tread over time. Even tread wear will enhance braking and traction for turning.
Tire rotation also saves money. Buying a set of four new tires is expensive. Minimizing wear and tear on your tires will make them last longer. Most tires can last anywhere between 6 to 10 years if properly maintained. Rotating your tires regularly also allows your mechanic to conduct a close visual inspection of your entire tire. They can check for damage, measure tire pressure, and examine tread depth.
Tire Rotation Pattern
The pattern used to rotate your tires depends on your vehicle’s make and model. The owner’s manual should provide a guide for the preferred tire rotation pattern that’s specific to your vehicle. If your spare tire is the same size as your regular tires, mechanics often include it in the rotation to maximize tire life.
- Forward cross. One of the most common patterns used to rotate tires on a front-wheel drive vehicle is dubbed a forward cross. As part of this pattern, the front tires are moved to the back axle, and the rear tires are moved diagonally to the front axle, creating a cross shape.
- Rearward cross. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles should be rotated in a rearward cross pattern where the rear tires are moved to the front axle, and the front tires are moved diagonally to the rear axle.
Tire Safety Checklist
We advise conducting regular tire safety checks between visits to the mechanic to help prevent a flat. It’s a good idea to join a roadside assistance program to help out in a pinch. Our Mr. Transmission brand offers towing services at participating locations.
Here’s a tire safety checklist to use as a guide.
- Measure tire pressure. Once a month, check the air pressure in your tires. Over time, your tires will naturally lose air pressure, particularly when the temperature changes. Low air pressure can impact your car’s fuel economy and cause the tires to wear unevenly. The NHTSA reports that having the correct amount of air in your tires can save you up to 11 cents per gallon on fuel. We recommend purchasing an air pressure gauge to get the job done quickly. An air pressure gauge is inexpensive and is available for purchase at most auto parts stores. If your tires need air, head to the nearest gas station to top them off.
- Check tire tread. As your tires age, the tread will slowly get worn down. Grab a penny from your coin jar and insert it with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see his head, it’s time to get your tires replaced.
- Spot check for damage. Inspect each of your tires closely. If you see damage from hitting a curb or pothole, take your car to get inspected at Milex. It may be time to replace the tires.
If you think it’s time for your tires to be rotated or you need an oil change, visit Milex to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment today.