Do you rotate your winter tires?

You may have noticed chalk markings on your tires the last time you got them changed. That’s because the technician marked the place where each tire was mounted on your vehicle. This way, the next time they are mounted, the technician will make sure to put them in different spots, giving you a free tire rotation. The same thing will happen when they are changed again in the spring.

You may have gotten your winter tires put on early, but winter really took its time this year, so you’ve been driving in abnormally high temperatures for the time of year. Rotating your tires may be a good idea if you want to ensure uniform wear and tear.

It’s a known fact that your front tires get used more than back tires. The force required to turn, brake, and accelerate causes the front tires to wear out faster, which is why they need to be rotated. The results are worth the effort.

The wear and tear will continue until spring, making the front tires unusable next winter, while the back tires could still be good for another one or two winters. Then you’ll have to purchase only two new tires, creating a cycle that could go on for years where you are using mismatched tires, whether they are new or partially used tires, or different brands.

When you get your tires rotated, ask your technician to also change the oil. As it turns out, it is recommended that the oil be changed on the same schedule as tire rotations, i.e., between 8,000 and 10,000 km.