All car owners need to know what to look for when their vehicle needs repair. Tire rotation is one of the most common types of maintenance you’ll require, and it can help increase the lifespan of your tires and wheel bearings. If you think you may need this service soon, look out for the following signs.

How to Know When You Need to Rotate Your Tires

1. Uneven Tread Wear

You should check your tire tread periodically, especially as you put more miles on your car. If the tread begins to wear unevenly between the four tires, they need to be rotated.

Your tread might also begin to wear unevenly on a single tire, wearing more to the inside or outside. While this can be alleviated somewhat by tire rotation, severe wear of this kind may indicate alignment issues.

2. Vibrations While Driving

When your tires wear unevenly, your vehicle becomes imbalanced. It may only be a fraction of a difference at first, but even small variations in the height of your tread affect the balance of your car.

The front tires naturally wear more than the rear ones, due to the weight of the engine and additional stress caused by steering. However, if a tire on one side begins to wear more than the other, you'll start to feel increasing vibrations at higher speeds.

3. Air Pressure Loss

If you notice one or more of your tires losing air pressure, this can be a sign of uneven wear. If a tire is supporting more down pressure than the others, it'll lose air pressure faster and its tread will wear more quickly.

Of course, air pressure loss can also indicate a leak from a puncture, too much tire wear, or a loose valve stem, so have your technician or mechanic inspect your tire for other causes when you have them rotated.

If you’re near Anchorage and need a tire rotation, check out Alaskan Auto Center. With over 17 years of experience, they have a reputation for high-quality, honest work on every make and model. In addition to tire service, they offer steering, suspension, and electric repair. To make an appointment with this NAPA certified car care center, call (907) 522-7035. To learn more about their services, visit them online.