When the heat rises in Michigan during the summer, your vehicle feels it too—especially your tires. While most drivers remember to check their air conditioning or change their oil, tire rotation is one service that often gets overlooked. However, rotating your tires regularly is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment, stay safe on the road, and extend the life of your tires.
In this blog, we’ll explain what tire rotation is, why it’s important during the summer months, how often it should be done, and the signs that your vehicle is overdue for this critical maintenance step.
What Is a Tire Rotation?
A tire rotation involves moving each tire to a different position on your vehicle. Typically, the front tires are moved to the back, and the rear tires are moved to the front. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive), the tire rotation pattern may differ.
The main goal of rotating your tires is to ensure that they wear evenly. Uneven tire wear can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and a shorter tire lifespan.
Why Tire Rotations Matter More in Summer
Summer driving conditions in Chesterfield Township, Royal Oak, and St. Clair Shores often include road trips, weekend getaways, and extra errands. All of that added mileage can cause tires to wear faster—especially if they’re already out of balance.
Here are a few reasons why rotating your tires is particularly important during the summer:
1. Heat Accelerates Tire Wear
Hot pavement increases the temperature of your tires, which can cause the rubber to break down faster. If your tires are already wearing unevenly, this heat can make things worse and even increase your risk of a blowout.
2. Uneven Tread Can Affect Traction
If your tires wear unevenly, it can impact your car’s grip on the road. This is especially dangerous during sudden summer rainstorms when wet roads require solid tire traction to avoid hydroplaning.
3. Helps Maintain Proper Alignment and Suspension
Tire rotations can alert your mechanic to underlying issues like misalignment or suspension problems. Catching these early can save you from more costly repairs later.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?
Most auto manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you’re not sure when your last tire rotation was, summer is a great time to check. Many drivers combine tire rotations with oil changes to keep everything on schedule.
At Morisette Automotive, our technicians can check your tire condition and make rotation recommendations based on your specific vehicle and driving habits.
Common Questions About Tire Rotations
How do I know if my tires need to be rotated?
Some signs include uneven tread wear, your vehicle pulling to one side, vibration in the steering wheel, or increased road noise.
Will rotating my tires improve fuel efficiency?
Yes. Evenly worn tires reduce rolling resistance, which helps your car use fuel more efficiently.
Can I rotate my tires myself?
It’s possible with the right tools and experience, but it’s often safer and easier to have a professional do it. We also inspect your tires and suspension during the service.
Stay Safe and Extend Tire Life This Summer
Tire rotations are a small but important part of keeping your vehicle in top shape—especially during the busy summer months. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just want better performance and safety, regular rotations will help your tires wear evenly, improve fuel economy, and enhance your overall driving experience.
If you’re due for a tire rotation or want a quick tire inspection, visit Morisette Automotive in Chesterfield Township, Royal Oak, or St. Clair Shores, MI. Our team is here to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly all year long.