How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

Person changing a car tire, holding the wheel near the exposed brake disc, with the car slightly lifted.

How often should you rotate your tires for safe Saskatoon drives? Generally, most auto experts recommend an interval of 8,000-12,800 km for when to rotate tires. While this is a good ground rule, you should always check your owner’s manual for exact figures. How many miles to rotate tires can depend on multiple factors.

In the following, we explore when it’s best to rotate tires, courtesy of the Titan Automotive service centre. When you’re ready, check out our service specials to see if you can save on any tire maintenance.

Rotating Tires on FWD and RWD Vehicles

How many miles to rotate tires can also depend on what type of drivetrain your vehicle has. Front-wheel drive (FWD) cars have power dispersed to the front tires, while rear-wheel drive (RWD) models send that same power to your rear tires. This means that whatever tires are getting the bulk of your engine power will wear out faster. For those driving a FWD or RWD model, keep the following tire rotation tips in mind:

  • For RWD or FWD cars, tire rotation needs to be performed every 8,000-12,800 km. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for exact figures. 
  • If you’re performing an FWD tire rotation on your own, remember to flip sides when moving the rear tires. For instance, your rear right tire will go on the front left. However, when moving the front tires to the back, keep them on the same side.
  • When rotating tires on an RWD model, invert this above-mentioned process. Flip sides when moving the front tires to the back, but keep your rear tires on the same side when moving them forward.
  • Your driving habits in Regina and beyond will affect when to rotate tires. You should always consult with the service experts at Titan Automotive to get a better sense of the maintenance schedule that best fits your driving habits. 

AWD Tire Rotation Tips

Now that you have a sense of how often should you rotate your tires, what about those with an all-wheel drive vehicle? 

If you have an AWD model, your vehicle has a different tire rotation than RWD or FWD vehicles. As engine power is sent to every tire in an AWD vehicle, your rotation needs to be done in a specific manner and at closer intervals. AWD tires need to be rotated every 4,800-8,000 km if you drive your vehicle regularly around Moose Jaw. You also need to follow these steps if rotating your tires at home:

  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

To make this process easier, we recommend drawing a simple diagram of your vehicle’s drivetrain and using colour-coded arrows to help move your tires properly. For those who prefer to have a professional team rotate your tires, you can always schedule service at Titan Automotive.

Get Your Tire Advice From Titan Automotive

Now that you know when to rotate tires, turn to Titan Automotive for all your automotive service needs. Beyond our reliable pre-owned vehicle inventory, our service technicians have years of experience working with many makes and models. Call us at 306-985-9801 or reach out online to schedule service. If you need parts for your vehicle, you can also order them online. Whether it’s knowing how many miles to rotate tires or scheduling an oil change, Titan Automotive is the Regina service centre you can depend on!