Q. How often should I rotate the tires on my Subaru?

A. We used to suggest every other oil change, but with the oil change intervals being pushed further and further out by Subaru its become part of an oil change to rotate the tires on the current Subaru Models. The newer Subaru AWD vehicles with the more balanced torque split (power distribution front VS Rear) typically require less tire rotations, but because it’s sometimes inconvenient to get into a shop sometimes, its really just better to rotate the tires every 6000 to 7000 miles (which is about the interval many are choosing for their oil changes) to try and keep the tires wearing evenly and to obtain as many miles out of the tires as possible. Tires should be rotated in a way to maintain the best tires in the front at all times as the this is where the bulk of the weight is, and traction occurs not to mention the steering is in the front as well. So if during a service it is revealed after measuring the tire tread depth that the best tires are already on the front it would not be necessary to rotate the tires. Some older model Subaru’s can incorporate the spare tire into the mix making it a five tire rotation, and this was a great way to add to the longevity of the tires, but the modern Subaru comes with a space saver type spare and no real room for a full size tire.

• So if you change your oil every 3000 miles, rotate your tires every other oil change.
• If you believe that 7000 mile oil changes are for you,  request that the tires are rotated with every oil change.
• Lastly, most quick lube franchises do not offer tire rotation service, so if you frequent one of these types of “horror stories waiting to happen” this is another reason to rethink that strategy.

Measuring The Tire Tread Depth