When Do I Rotate My Tires?
Tire rotation is one of the simplest yet most essential parts of vehicle maintenance—especially for drivers in Ottawa, where winter roads, spring potholes, and seasonal temperature shifts test your tires year-round. For Subaru drivers who count on their vehicles for reliability in all conditions, staying on top of tire rotations helps ensure safety, performance, and long-term savings.
Why Tire Rotation Matters
Tires don’t wear evenly on their own. The front tires typically wear faster due to steering and braking forces, especially on all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles like the Subaru Outback. Rotating your tires regularly distributes wear more evenly across all four tires. This helps:
Extend the life of your tires
- Maintain optimal traction and handling
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Reduce stress on suspension components
For drivers navigating the unpredictable roads of Ottawa—from icy downtown commutes to gravel cottage roads near Calabogie—tire rotation helps ensure your Subaru stays confident and sure-footed in any condition.
How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?
Subaru recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 miles (about 10,000 km) or six months—whichever comes first. This interval aligns well with seasonal tire changes, making it easy to build into your regular maintenance routine. If you’re switching between winter and all-season tires in the fall and spring, that’s the perfect time to rotate them as well.
However, if your driving habits include frequent stop-and-go traffic, extended highway trips, or carrying heavier loads (like gear for family trips or shift equipment), you may want to rotate your tires more often.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Neglecting tire rotation can lead to uneven tread wear. This not only shortens the lifespan of your tires but also impacts braking distances and cornering grip—critical factors for safety on slick or uneven roads. Uneven wear may also void tire warranties and lead to more frequent replacements, costing you more in the long run.
Signs Your Tires Need Rotation
Even if you’re following a schedule, there are some signs to watch for that might mean you need a rotation sooner:
- Uneven tread depth across tires
- Vibration while driving, especially at highway speeds
- Reduced traction or handling changes
- Unusual tire wear patterns, like cupping or feathering
If you notice any of these, If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in for a rotation and inspection.
Living in Ottawa means your car works hard across all four seasons. Integrating tire rotation into your spring and fall tire change appointments keeps it simple and consistent. This proactive step supports safer driving through the city’s freeze-thaw cycles, potholes, and icy slush.
Trust the Experts at Ogilvie Subaru
Our certified Subaru technicians at Ogilvie Subaru understand what Ottawa drivers face every day. We rotate your tires using manufacturer-recommended patterns tailored to AWD systems like Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. With every service, we’ll check your tread wear, alignment, and tire pressure to help you get the most from your tires and your Subaru.
Need to schedule a rotation?
Book your service online or give us a call—your Subaru will thank you.
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