How to Rotate Tires Yourself

Like regular oil changes, tire rotation is a key part of your routine Honda maintenance. Keeping up to date on your tire rotation schedule will ensure that you enjoy optimum traction on Brick roads while helping your tires to last longer. The service team here at Honda of Toms River has created this guide on how to rotate the tires on your Honda car, truck, or SUV. If you are not comfortable rotating the tires yourself, you can always schedule an appointment with us and we’ll be happy to do the job for you.

Why is Tire Rotation Necessary?

Since the front tires are used for steering and turning, they tend to wear down faster than the rear tires. By rotating tires on a regular basis, Manahawkin drivers can be assured that their tires will show even wear, which can extend the tire life while providing a safe and smooth driving experience.

How Often to Rotate Your Tires

How often you should rotate your tires depends on the drivetrain. It is recommended that front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles have their tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, while all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles require a tire rotation every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It is best that you consult your owners manual to find out what the tire rotation schedule is for your specific model.

Rotating Your Tires

If you plan on rotating your own tires, you will need a car jack, lug nut wrench, and a set of car jack stands. Once you have gathered up the necessary tools, just follow these steps:

1. For safety, engage the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels, but don’t take them all the way off. This step makes unscrewing them when the tire is elevated much easier.
3. Lift up one wheel with a car jack and place the jack stand underneath it. Repeat this procedure with each tire until all are off the ground.
4. Remove the tires one by one.
5. Check the pressure on all tires to ensure that they are carrying the right amount of air, then rotate them according to the appropriate pattern for FWD or RWD systems. Place the tires back onto the wheel mount and screw the lug nuts on by hand as far as you can.
6. Lower the car from the jack stands and use the lug wrench to finish tightening the nuts. It’s best to work the lug nuts diagonally from one to another in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. If the lug nuts aren’t tightened evenly. The brake rotor may warp.

Tire Rotation Pattern

• FWD Tires: Move the front tires to the back in the same left/right positions. Then move the rear tires to the front, switching the right and left tire.
• RWD Tires: With RWD vehicles you reverse the process. The rear tires move to the front of the car in the same left/right positions, and the front tires switch sides when they are moved to the rear.

Trust the Auto Experts at Honda of Toms River

Whether it’s a tire rotation, a routine oil change, brake replacement, or more involved repair work, the service techs at Honda of Toms River will get the job done right. Our state-of-the-art service center offers many advantages over local auto shops, including:

• Certified Auto Technicians
• Service Specials
• Honda OEM Parts
• 24/7 Drop-Off
• Pick-up and Delivery
• Loaner Vehicles

We also offer a convenient waiting area with free coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi. If you have any questions, please contact our service center online or give us a call at (732) 655-3686.