How Much Does it Cost to Rotate Tires?

The Average Cost to Rotate Tires is $35 to $44 if You Go to the Mechanic, But It’s Absolutely Free to Do it Yourself.

This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, check out the FIXD Sensor and free app!

Cost at the Mechanic: $35 to $44

• Parts: $0
• Labor: $35 to $44

Perform a tire rotation service as recommended by the automaker or tire maker in order to avoid excessive wear to your tires.

Cost to DIY: $74 to $94

• DIY Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Tools Needed:

Floor Jack/Jack Stands

If you already have all of the tools, a DIY tire rotation doesn’t cost a thing! 

Keep in mind: Use jack stands to maximize safety when rotating tires, and use a torque wrench when reinstalling the wheels to prevent over-tightening the lug nuts.  

What Is Tire Rotation?

Just like windshield wipers and air cabin filters, tires are an important maintenance item on a vehicle, but the good news is that you can maximize the life of your tires with proper care and maintenance including regular tire rotations. The cost to rotate tires isn’t that much, but failing to properly follow tire maintenance can be extremely costly.

While tires can be worn down unevenly based on how the vehicle is driven, air pressure, and other factors, rotating the tires in specific patterns and at prescribed mileage intervals will help you get the most from this expensive investment. The goal of a tire rotation is to move the tires around so that they all wear evenly. The most obvious sign of wear is cupped treads, which is when the treads are worn at an angle. Cupped or unevenly worn tires can cause a number of symptoms including a vibration in the steering wheel and increased tire road noise.

The goal of a tire rotation is to have all the tires (front to back and side to side) wear identical, so it could be possible for a repair shop to suggest a tire rotation even if you just had one performed recently by another shop; if that’s the case, just inform them that the tire rotation is up to date.  

Tire rotations are a preventative maintenance item that repair shops will often recommend on mileage (every 6,000 to 8,000 miles). 

What Happens If You Don’t Rotate Your Tires

Tires should last about 50,000 miles, but failing to properly maintain your car’s tires can result in premature wear and a shortened lifespan of the tires. Two of the easiest things you can do to maximize the life of your tires is to make sure they are properly inflated to the manufacturer specifications and frequently rotated. 

Failing to rotate your tires isn’t likely to damage your car, but it will likely lead to costly (and preventable) replacement of your tires. Most shops don’t charge much for tire rotations with other services such as oil changes. You can always do it yourself, though, by following these tips on how to rotate tires on your car.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires

Most automakers and tire manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedules on your specific vehicle. Repair shops will often upsell a tire rotation based on mileage or visual inspection.

Common Symptoms You Need to Get a Tire Rotation

• Uneven/premature tread wear
• Excessive tire noise

Related Maintenance Services

The following services are commonly performed with tire rotations:

• Tire balance
• Oil Change
• Wheel alignment
• Adjust tire pressure

Claim Your Custom Maintenance Schedule

Get the FIXD Sensor and free app today for a custom maintenance schedule based on your make, model, and mileage. Never miss important maintenance again with automated maintenance alerts! Learn more at fixd.com.

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