There are many basics of car maintenance we all do regularly: check and change our oil, wash our car, check that we have air in our tires. Most people overlook the importance of rotating their tires and the usefulness of this simple procedure. While each car and tire combination is different, basic maintenance of the tires can assist in making your vehicle perform at its best.

Significance
Rotating your tires is important due to tire wear. Tires work differently, depending on their location on your vehicle. Rotating them on a regular basis will even the wear, prolonging their lifespan. A criss-cross pattern is used when moving the tires to their new position allowing the tires to wear evenly.

Time Frame
Every vehicle is different, but most manufacturers recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Check with your owner’s manual for information specific to your vehicle.

Considerations
Rotating tires is a simple procedure that can be done at your local Tire Pros.

Effects
Right-side tires have more exposure to curbs and other road hazards; moving them to the other side of the vehicle prevents excessive outside wear. Front tires will show more wear if you are driving a front-drive vehicle. It is important to visually inspect your tires on a regular basis. Obvious signs of wear need immediate attention.

Benefits
Rotating your tires on a timely basis will help keep maintenance cost down on your vehicle. Evenly wearing through your tires will prolong their life and lessen the frequency of having to invest in a new set. Tires that are maintained well will keep you safer while driving.

A vehicle’s tires play an important role in the safety of your vehicle. A recent survey of about 5,500 vehicles found that only nine percent of vehicles had four properly inflated tires and 49 percent of vehicles had at least one under inflated tire.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 600 deaths and 33,000 injuries per year are due to under inflated tires. Improperly inflated tires also lowers the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.

Here are some tips to help your keep your tires running smoothly and safely.