What is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotations are a key component of your Mercedes-Benz maintenance schedule and should typically occur every 8,000 to 13,000 kilometres. But what is a tire rotation, and what does it do? This process involves switching the position of each tire to maintain an even amount of tread, helping to boost traction on Saskatoon roads and extend the life of your tires. Learn more about what rotating tires means in our guide below, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

What Does Rotating Tires Mean?

Tire rotation is easy enough to understand: tires are moved from one position on a vehicle to another. In most cases, the front tires will move to the rear, and the rear tires will move to the front. They may also change sides, so what was the rear left tire will end up as the front right tire—this is called the tire rotation pattern. Here are some tire rotation basics: 

• Most cars carry more weight at the front, so front tires will typically wear out faster, but the type of drivetrain your vehicle has will also affect the rate at which each tire wears down. 
• For example, in front-wheel drive vehicles, power is sent to the front axle and wheels to produce forward motion. Therefore, the front tires will wear down faster than they would in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive models.
• This also means that your vehicle’s drivetrain will affect the tire rotation pattern, to ensure that no tire wears down too fast compared to the whole set of tires.

What Does Tire Rotation Do?

• Maintains Traction: When tires wear down, they lose tire tread depth. A loss of tread depth means traction is reduced, which can interfere with your ability to control the vehicle in certain situations. Preventing uneven tire wear helps ensure that all tires have the same amount of tread.
• Prevents Blowouts: Tires become more likely to fail as they get worn down. If you’ve ever had one blowout as you drive around Winnipeg or Calgary, you’ll know how unpleasant and potentially dangerous it can be.
• Improves Performance: Tires with uneven wear often produce vibration, which you’ll eventually feel through the steering wheel.
• Maximizes Efficiency: Worn tires create drag, strain the engine, and increase your fuel consumption.

Schedule Tire Service at Mercedes-Benz Regina

Now that you understand what a tire rotation is, what it means, and why it’s important, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our service centre in Regina. You can trust our certified technicians to give your Mercedes-Benz the care it deserves. In the meantime, explore the differences between wheel balancing and wheel alignment.