Tire Rotation Cost
Last Updated on September 13, 2023 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on June 27, 2022 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
It is well known that tires are expensive, so in order for them to last as long as possible, a rotation must be made, which is basically a simple way to extend the life of the tires. Usually, the front and rear tires wear differently.
This is natural because the front tires carry more than 60% of the car’s weight, so they wear out faster than the rear tires. Also, making turns leads to uneven wear.
Thus, through a frequent change between them, the wear will be equalized and thus a longer life of the treads will be achieved.
How much does it cost the tire rotation?
The cost of tire rotation will depend on the mechanic you choose, but this is one of the cheapest car repairs you’ll face. Expect to spend anywhere between $30 and $140 for the tire rotation. Moreover, there are shops that offer this service for free if you purchase a new set of tires from them.
Below you will find the average costs of tire rotation services charged by some of the most popular auto-motive repair chains. Keep in mind that these prices may vary from time to time because most of these shops constantly run specials on basic repairs such as tire rotation.
You might also like our articles on the cost of a donut tire, a run-flat tire, or tire installation services.
- Pep Boys: $20 to $100, with a 6 months warranty
- Tire: $35 to $75, with a 12 months warranty
- Midas: $65 to $130, with a 12 months warranty
- Your mechanic: $80 to $100, with a 12 months warranty
Tire rotation overview
A plan must be made regarding the place where each tire will be rotated to. It is recommended that these operations be performed within a professional car shop, in order to have an expert perform this procedure, but you can also do this yourself if you have some basic tools and the necessary space and time to do this.
The way the tires rotate depends on several factors, the most important being whether the car has directional or non-directional tires.
Spare tires (if not specially designed for temporary use) of the same size and application as the tires on the vehicle should be included in the rotation. Always check and adjust the backup wheel pressure.
Adjust the tire pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the new tire position (the recommended tire pressure on the front or rear axle may be different).
Tire rotation may affect the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Consult the vehicle manual or a qualified professional to make the appropriate adjustments or recalibrate the system.
Why is it necessary to rotate the tires?
The rotation of the tires is a labor that is required as a result of the occurrence of the phenomenon of non-uniform wear. A front-wheel-drive vehicle will apply different pressure to the front tires than to the rear tires.
In other words, we could say that these front tires will wear out much faster in this case. Thus, the rotation of the tires is done to balance the wear process at the level of all four tires.
When should I rotate my car’s tires?
The technical manual of the vehicle contains information on the recommended time for tire rotation. In case this information is not available in the manual, we recommend that you perform the periodic rotation of the tires every 3,000 to 7,000 miles, to avoid uneven wear.
There are other factors that may require more frequent tire rotation:
High speeds, high loads, long distances: If you drive regularly at high speeds and over long distances or carry heavy loads, the extra load involves a slightly higher number of turns.
Uneven wear: Rotate them as soon as possible if you notice uneven wear.
Rumble: If your tires make a rumble when you’re on a bumpy road, it’s time to rotate them.
Can I rotate the tires on my own?
It is recommended that you contact a dealership or a mechanic to make sure a professional will perform this operation.
But you can also do this yourself – it’s pretty simple. You don’t need specialized tools – you need space and a few hours.
Always refer to the vehicle’s user manual for specific recommendations from the vehicle manufacturer.
Things to keep in mind when rotating the tires on your own
Front-to-rear rotation: Rotate front-rear tires only if the tires are the same size.
Different size tires: Some vehicles have different-sized tires on the front and rear axles.
Directional tire models: When rotating tires with a directional tread pattern, make sure you follow the arrows on the sidewall of the tire.
Removing, installing, and rebalancing: You will need to perform these operations if your vehicle uses different size directional tires or wheels with different protruding edges on the front and rear.
How can I save money?
One of the easiest ways to save money on tire rotation is to perform this job yourself. It is not complicated to do and will not take you more than half an hour.
Though, if you feel like your car’s tires are not well aligned you should go to a mechanic.
Also, you can save money on tire rotation when you purchase a new set of tires as this service is offered for free by most shops.
Actually, the tire rotation will help you save money in the long run because it will help to keep your vehicle working at an optimal level. So, you will not have to spend a lot of money on buying a new set of tires.
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