Installing New TiresCredit: Richard Drury/Taxi/Getty ImagesThe tires on your car are essential to your vehicle's performance. Tires that are balding or uneven can cause major issues when driving. Tire maintenance is more than keeping air in them; it also includes rotating them. Tire rotation can be an easy-to-forget task, but it should be on your priority list. Most tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, but your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations should always come first. Check your owner's manual for specifics on your car. How Often Should You Really Rotate Your Tires?The general rule of thumb is to rotate tires between 5,000 and 8,000 miles, though some tires and cars require different intervals or are done alongside other routine maintenance. If you don't put many miles on your car, the benchmark for rotation can be a bit different. Bridgestone notes a general interval of 5,000–8,000 miles or every six months, depending on the vehicle and driving habits. Your owner's manual is the best source for a specific vehicle.AdvertisementAdvertisementTires don't wear evenly because their positions on the vehicle put different demands on them. For example, front tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle typically handle more of the work involved in steering, braking, and acceleration. Rotating your tires helps keep tread wear more even, gives your tires a longer life, and provides more consistent traction and handling when driving.Signs Your Tires May Need To Be RotatedKnowing when your tires need to be rotated is essential to your car's performance and safety. Mileage isn't the only clue that it's time for tire rotations. If you notice uneven tread wear—with one or more tires noticeably more worn than the others—or if your steering wheel or seat is vibrating, it might be time for a rotation. Pay close attention to any unusual noises, especially humming or other noticeable changes in road noise, which can sometimes indicate uneven wear. Now, some of these symptoms can have other causes, so a tire professional should inspect the vehicle rather than assuming rotation alone will fix the problem.Frequent city driving, towing, heavy loads, off-road driving, and performance vehicles may require more frequent rotations. Bridgestone also gives shorter intervals for some performance vehicles and certain trucks or vehicles used under demanding conditions. Keep in mind that directional tires, staggered tires, and other specialized setups may have specific rotation requirements.What Happens If You Skip Tire Rotations?Skipping rotations can allow uneven wear to become more pronounced, potentially shortening tire life and affecting traction and handling. Failing to rotate tires doesn't automatically create a dangerous driving situation, but it can lead to issues further down the road. Regular rotation is one part of maintaining properly worn, properly maintained tires.AdvertisementAdvertisementRemember to check the owner's manual, keep track of your mileage, and have your tires inspected regularly. A tire rotation is relatively simple maintenance, but staying on schedule can help you get more life and consistent performance from your tires.Read the original article on Southern Living