GM Certified Tire Rotation in RI
Proper Rotation Patterns
Tires should be rotated in a particular sequence, because the front and rear tires work differently from each depending on the drivetrain. For example, on front-wheel-drive cars, the front wheels do all the work, while the rear tires roll freely. The opposite goes for full-time rear-wheel drive vehicles: the wheels on the back axle drive the vehicle while the front axle free-rolls. When tires are rotated on vehicles with these less-complex drivetrains, the front and rear sets can simply be switched. For vehicles that are four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, all four wheels drive the vehicle, either full-time or intermittently. Therefore, a cross pattern should be used, where the front right and back left tires will swap positions (and the same for the front left and back right tires). When the proper rotation pattern is followed for the specific drivetrain, the tires will wear more consistently and last longer.
Rotation Intervals
Check your owner’s manual for the general recommended tire-rotation interval (usually 7,500 miles), but also ask your GM service team what they advise according to their observations of your tires’ wear. Your individual driving habits and conditions (e.g., daily stop-and-go commuting) will affect the rate at which the rubber wears down. It’s most convenient to have the tires rotated each time you have the vehicle in for an oil change, and this interval is a good rule of thumb. The technicians will already have your vehicle on the lift, and they can conduct a visual check of the brakes and wheel alignment while they’re at it (an extensive multi-point checkup will be done during the factory-recommended scheduled service visits).
Checking Tire Wear
If the tires have been on the vehicle for a while and you want to keep tabs on tread wear yourself between service visits, there are two easy ways to do it. You can buy a simple tool at any auto parts store for measuring tire tread, or you can just use a penny. Place the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head down and facing towards you. If his head is completely visible, your tread depth is too low, and it’s time to go tire shopping. But if the top portion of his head is sufficiently covered, that tire should be in good shape for the time being. Many tires also have a tread wear indicator built in; if you’re not sure that yours do, your service technician can help you.