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How Much Does Tire Rotation Cost

Since tires on the car wear variously from front to back, and due to certain steering effects, the suspension and road conditions - in order to maximize the life of the tires and the rate at which they each wear, it is important to keep the set rotated on a regular basis. Estimates on time intervals to do so range from about every 3,000 miles to every 5,000 miles (or sooner) based on car manufacturer or where the tires are being serviced.

How Tire Rotation Prices Differ

There are five basic patterns used to switch the tire positions - (2) for performance rated tires and (3) for directional tires though there are variations. Normally the tires on all-wheel, front-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are rotated differently, independent of pricing.

• On a single time basis, most rotations land on average between $15 and $25. Firestone offers rotation on all four for $22.00. Jiffy Lube performs rotations for $19.99.


• Some of the best pricing is found at (a) tire discount outlets or at (b) the place of purchase where a rotation may be included under the original cost of the tire set or else at (c) local auto repair shops burdened with minimal overhead.


• Sometimes the best time to get a "quote" is when the car is already racked as another service is being performed. The more major the better.

Maximizing Rotation Fees

Cars should generally have the lug nuts torqued to a specific foot-pound setting. Avoid auto centers that have a reputation of over-torquing since this can cause stripping of the bolt threads in which case the common solution of a re-tapping of the threads is not as good as original, contrary to many opinions. Have the rotation done by a reputable shop only.

For those with keyed wheel locks, only take your car to outfits that hand torque the custom locks and not power torque them. Stripping the head can cost $35 to $45 for a replacement set and possibly more for foreign.

If you notice your tires beginning to wear unevenly, its best to have them checked to promote even wear as soon as possible. If your car has not been aligned in a great while, or you've encountered a decent impact, this can start the cycle.

The process of rotation is an opportune time to inspect tires for wear & assess their condition. Metering depth of usable tread may be related with any impending warranty/replacement issues.