Category Archives: Safe Driving

Rotation Explanation

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Dear Tracy,
I would like to know more about tire rotation. Specifically, I am wondering why is it important to rotate tires, how the tires are rotated, and how often should it be done. I sometimes wonder if services like tire rotation are really necessary or if auto shops try to sell them just to make a buck. Can you fill me in on the facts?
-Fred A.

Dear Fred,
Thank you for your questions about tire rotation! It can be frustrating to pay a mechanic your hard-earned dollars without really knowing what you are getting for the money. The key is to educate yourself with a basic understanding of car and tire care, then find a good and honest service technician you can consistently trust with your business.

Tire rotation is actually an important maintenance operation that will ultimately save you money by protecting your tire investment. Regular tire rotation also enhances driving safety. The reason that tire rotation is important lies in the different ways front and rear tires wear. Front tires are subject to much more pressure than rear tires, and therefore the tread wears more quickly on the front tires. Tire rotation is a way to balance out the wear, getting the most life out of all four tires, and making sure that all four tires have a safe amount of tread.

When your service technician rotates the tires on your vehicle, typically the front tires are exchanged with the rear tires. Usually the driver side tires stay on the driver side and the passenger side tires stay on that side, however with certain types of vehicles or tires this approach may vary. Your service manual will provide details on the proper tire rotation for your specific vehicle.

Generally, tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Again, your service manual will provide you with the best maintenance schedule for your particular vehicle.

On the Road Again

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Dear Tracy,
This summer my family and I are planning to take a driving trip out west, with the Grand Canyon National Park being our ultimate destination. We expect the trip to be around 3,000 miles. Although our car is reliable, it is several years old, has over 100,000 miles on it, and it has been awhile since we’ve purchased a new set of tires. Tracy, what do you recommend we do to prepare our car for the trip?

-Beverly D.

Dear Beverly,

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! When I was a kid, we made a similar trip, traveling the Historic Route 66 and taking in the sites of classic America, including the Cadillac Ranch. If you happen to stop there and see “Tracy Was Here” on the tire of a 1949 caddie, you’ll know who it was!

You are smart to think about preparing your vehicle for a long road trip. When it comes to your tires, you will first need to check your tread depth – the old fashion penny test works great for this. Adequate tread is absolutely essential to assure proper traction and safe handling. Next, you should make sure that your tires are properly inflated. For summer driving, you can keep the pressure a little closer to the maximum, but always keep it below that maximum. Finally, it is a good idea to make sure you have a spare tire available, and that it is in good working order.

To be extra confident on the road, you can have your tires and spare inspected before your trip. This would also be a great opportunity to have a few other important auto service checks performed:

  • Hoses & Belts
  • Oil, Coolant, & Fluids
  • Brakes
  • Wipers
  • Lights
  • Battery

Though preparing for a trip can keep you extremely busy, it is worth the extra time to have these tire and auto service checks done. Your summer vacation time is limited, and you want to spend that time on the road, not on the side of the road, waiting for a tow!

Driving in the Rain

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Dear Tracy,
I am a new driver, and just bought my first car – a used Corolla that used to belong to my aunt. The car is in great shape but my dad says it needs new tires. I plan on getting them, after I get some money saved up again. In the meantime, whenever it rains my dad makes me drive my mom’s van instead of my own car! I don’t understand why rain makes a difference. When I asked him, he gave me a long, drawn out answer I didn’t understand. As usual, he went on and on and even ended up talking about boating! Can you explain it to me in a way I can understand?
–Tony P.

Dear Tony,
Congratulations on your first car! I know it probably feels like your dad is raining on your parade, but if you need new tires, he’s right to have you drive a different car when you know the roads will be wet. Worn-out tires are most dangerous during wet weather driving. Here is why: for tires to have traction in the rain, tires need to be able to channel the water away. The grooves in the tread of your tires are there to do just that. When the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch, tires can’t do the job. The best way to tell if your tires are too worn is to take a penny and put Abe’s head into one of the grooves of the tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, they’re okay. If you can see all of Abe’s head, you need new tires.

When your dad was “talking about boating” was he by any chance telling you about “hydroplaning?” Even though it sounds like a kind of water sport, hydroplaning is something that happens when you drive in the rain, and it is an important thing to know about. Ask our service specialists for more information to keep you safe on the road.