Your car’s front and rear axles aren’t the same weight, and as a result, your tires don’t experience the same wear patterns. Uneven wear reduces traction, putting everyone on the road in danger. That’s why motorists are urged to rotate their tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This is when a mechanic changes the position of each tire so the set wears evenly. In addition to tracking mileage, watch out for the following indicators that it’s time for rotation.

When Does Your Car Need Tire Rotation?

1. Vehicle Vibration

When a tire has been in the same position for a while, one side of its tread will wear faster than the other. This imbalance can cause vibration through the brake pedal, steering wheel, and seat. Motorists usually experience the sensation between 20-45 mph or when accelerating to 60 mph or higher.

2. Pressure Imbalances

When a tire’s tread is too thin, the chance of a puncture is more likely. If you have a leak, the loss of air can cause the wheel to sag, which creates excess friction and can affect your ability to steer. Check your tire pressure regularly and make a note of any differences between tires.  

3. Loss of Control

If the front and rear tires are never switched, it can be more difficult to control your car in rainy weather. With a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, for example, the back wheels propel the car forward. More pressure is placed on the rear tires, and as a result, they will have a lot less tread than the front pair. This could compromise vehicle handling on slick pavement, increasing the risk of accidents.

If you’ve experienced one of the problems above or are due for a routine tire rotation, contact the team at The Shop Auto Service. Conveniently located a few minutes from downtown Cincinnati, OH, the auto shop has been serving Hamilton County motorists since 1970. In addition to rotating equipment, the ASE-certified technicians will perform oil changes, brake service, engine repair, and more mechanical and electrical work to ensure each component functions properly. For auto maintenance or repairs, call (513) 861-4445. Learn more about this company on their  website.