How important is tire rotation?

Tire rotation is an important maintenance practice that helps ensure even tire wear, which can extend the life of your tires and improve overall vehicle performance and safety. Tires wear differently depending on their position on the vehicle—front tires often wear faster due to steering, braking, and the weight of the engine, especially in front-wheel-drive cars. By rotating tires regularly (typically every 5,000 to 8,000 miles), you help balance out this wear so that all four tires wear more evenly over time. Skipping tire rotation can lead to uneven tread wear, which may cause issues such as reduced traction, increased road noise, and a rougher ride. Uneven wear can also lead to premature tire replacement, which ends up being more costly in the long run. Additionally, uneven tires can negatively affect your vehicle’s handling and braking performance, potentially compromising safety. While some service centers might use tire rotation as an upsell, it is a legitimate and recommended maintenance step backed by vehicle manufacturers. Checking your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s guidelines on rotation intervals is a good idea. Many drivers find that regular tire rotation is a relatively low-cost way to maintain tire health and maximize their investment in tires.