This weekend I visited the dealership for my second of two free oil changes from when I purchased my Honda CRV.  As I pulled into the service drive, I was greeted by a woman who was dressed nicely and seemed to have her act together.  I got out of my car, left my keys in the ignition and walked over to the area where they write you up.  Now, I never tell people at dealerships, service centers, or parts stores that I have industry experience because I like to hear what people say or try and sell me; plus its fun and gives me content to provide you.

I told the woman that I had an appointment for an oil change and after she saw the mileage on my car she said, "I would also like to recommend a tire rotation."  Ok, so in almost all cases, a consumer will think that tire rotations are due at certain miles because that is what they have always been told.  But really, you should base your decision to rotate your tires by the tread depth of your tires.  Tread depth is the amount of tread left on your tires and is measured in 32nds of an inch.  For example, if your tread depth is 0/32", then your tires are bald.  If your tires are 10/32", then most likely your tires are brand new.  In some states, there is a legal limit as to how much tread there must be on your tires, which is usually 2/32".  So, if you have a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) car, and your front tires are 5/32" and your rear tires are 7/32", then it would be a good idea to rotate them.  If your car is FWD, then your front tires will wear quicker than your rear tires, and vice versa for RWD vehicles.  It is best to try and have your tires wear at the same pace to extend their life as much as possible.

After the woman recommended a tire rotation, I asked her to check the tread depth for me, right there on the service drive.  Reluctantly, she agreed and checked the front and rear tires.  As she walked back to me she said "Your tires are at the same tread depth, so you could probably wait until your next oil change before you rotate them."  What a nice feeling it is to WIN!

Being a smart customer is important, and I was able to save myself $30 for something I didn't need.