Tires are an essential safety component of every car, yet some owners fail to maintain their vehicle’s tires regularly. Tires carry the car’s weight, allow it to drive safely, and deliver the grip necessary to keep it on the road. It can be dangerous for your car to drive on worn tires, and it can also lower the fuel economy. Rotating the tires regularly will extend the tires’ life and allow you to drive safely. If you live in Marion, tire rotation is nearby at the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center.

When you visit our dealership’s service department for tire rotation service near Marion, the technician will move the tires to different locations. This usually means the front tires will be transferred to the rear, and the rear tires are relocated to the front. One side will typically switch sides, most likely the rear tires. We’ll explain the various rotation patterns for different vehicle types.


Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should list the proper rotation pattern for your car, truck, SUV or van, along with a recommendation as to the frequency that tire rotation should be performed. Most tires will need to be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Since this is the recommendation for most service visits, most service centers will rotate your car’s tires whenever you bring it in for scheduled maintenance.


Rotating your vehicle’s tires will promote even tire wear. This will allow the tires to last longer and will decrease the chances of experiencing a blowout. Your car will handle better, too.


If you own a car with front-wheel-drive, and don’t bring it to a service center for tire rotation, the front tires will wear faster than the rear tires. Your car will be hard to control, particularly when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces. If you don’t rotate the tires regularly, they can become cupped, a condition that causes cabin noise and vibration. And some tire manufacturers specify that the tires be rotated periodically, or it will void the warranty.


These are the most common tire rotation patterns:

• Rearward Cross: This is for four- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The rear tires move to the front and stay on the same side of the car. The rear front tires are relocated to rear and switch sides.
• X-pattern: Front-wheel-drive vehicles can use this pattern. The front and rear tires are switched, and both sets of tires are moved to the opposite sides.
• Forward Cross: Most front-wheel drive vehicles will use this pattern. The front tires move to the rear, and the back tires move to the front and switch sides.

We don’t recommend trying to rotate your vehicle’s tires yourself. The service technicians at the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Department have the experience and the knowledge to do the job correctly and safely.


Call us to make an appointment for tire rotation service or schedule your visit online. You’ll find our dealership at 1075 North Main Street in Marion. Check our website for our hours of operation and directions.