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Regular tire rotation is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s safety, handling, and longevity. It helps ensure even tire wear, which can extend the life of your tires and improve your vehicle’s performance. But how do you know when it’s time to rotate your tires? Here are four signs to look out for.

Uneven Tire Wear

One of the most obvious signs that your tires need rotating is uneven wear. If you notice that the tread depth varies significantly from one tire to another, it’s time for a rotation. Front tires tend to wear faster than rear ones, especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles, because they handle the brunt of the steering and acceleration. Rotating your tires helps distribute wear more evenly across all four tires, extending their lifespan and maintaining traction on the road.

Vibration at High Speeds

If you start to feel a vibration in the steering wheel or through the seat at highway speeds, that could be a sign that your tires have uneven wear and need a rotation. While there can be other causes for this symptom, such as wheel alignment issues or imbalanced tires, uneven tire wear is most common. Rotating the tires can often solve the problem and restore a smoother ride.

Reduced Traction or Handling

When tires wear unevenly, it can significantly impact your vehicle’s traction and handling. If you notice that your car isn’t gripping the road in wet conditions or feels less stable around corners, uneven tire wear could be to blame. Rotating your tires can help regain lost traction and improve handling, ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive in all conditions.

It’s Been a While

Even if you haven’t noticed any of the above signs, it’s good practice to rotate your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Regular maintenance ensures that tires wear evenly over time, which can prevent the issues mentioned above. Just like you wouldn’t neglect power steering repair for smooth driving, don’t overlook tire rotation for even tire wear and prolonged tire life.

Now that you know these four signs that it’s time to rotate your tires, you can take proactive steps to maintain your vehicle’s safety, performance, and efficiency. Regular tire care and other maintenance tasks like power steering repair are key to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.