Uneven wear on tires is completely normal and luckily can be prevented with a simple tire rotation.

A tire rotation moves all four tires to different positions. How your tires are rotated depends whether your car uses front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). The tire tread design also affects the tire rotation pattern.

A certified technician will determine the right pattern for your specific vehicle.

Tires wear unevenly depending where they’re positioned on your vehicle. A regular tire rotation moves each tire to a different position, which evens out the wear pattern and extends the life of your full set.

Your tires wear unevenly because different parts of your vehicle perform different jobs.

Your front tires are responsible for steering and braking. If you have a FWD vehicle, they also handle acceleration, so your front set will wear faster than your rear tires. On the other hand, AWD vehicles distribute power across all four wheels, which creates its own uneven wear patterns and requires more frequent rotations.

Canadian road conditions, including potholes, frost heaves, and rough road surfaces can also increase wear and tear.

Tire rotation is just one part of your necessary tire care routine. During your rotation appointment, your technician can also check wheel alignment and tire balancing.

This service ensures all wheels are pointing in the directions required by the manufacturer so the vehicle handles well. Wheels off by about a half degree require a wheel alignment, so this is an issue you may not be able to physically see except in uneven wear and increased difficulty handling the car.

Over time, tires and wheels can develop slight weight imbalances, which can also lead to uneven wear. During a tire balancing service, the technician adds small counterweights to the wheel to smooth out your ride and help your tires last longer.

If you notice vibrations in the steering wheel and your seat, for example, these point toward a tire balancing service.

You can schedule tire balancing and wheel alignment outside of a wheel rotation.

These general recommendations work for most situations:

• AWD vehicles: every 5,000 to 8,000 km
• RWD and FWD: every 8,000 to 10,000 km
• New tire set, regardless of drivetrain: 5,000 km for the first rotation

Check your owner’s manual, too, since your vehicle may differ from general recommendations. Make it even easier to remember your tire rotation appointments by pairing them with oil changes so neither gets overlooked. In Canada, seasonal tire swaps are natural opportunities to request a rotation at the same time.

You may need regular tire rotation services if your vehicle is still under warranty. Many manufacturers require documented tire rotations at regular intervals to keep the warranty valid.

A regular tire rotation is a cost-effective maintenance service. Not only can this simple service extend tire life, but it can also protect the safety of you and others on the road. Plus, nothing beats the peace of mind knowing that a trained professional has inspected your tires, brakes, and TPMS for any issues.

Rest easy that your vehicle is in expert hands. Certified NAPA AUTOPRO technicians have access to professional-grade equipment and training to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Keep your tires in peak condition and book your next tire rotation service at your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.