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TIREWISEDAILY

Rotation, alignment, and maintenance intervals explained

Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps tires wear evenly. These guides explain common terms so you can follow your owner's manual with confidence.

Why tire rotation matters

Front and rear tires often wear at different rates. Rotation moves tires between positions to even out wear.

  • Your owner's manual lists the recommended rotation interval and pattern.
  • Rotation patterns can differ for front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Some directional or staggered setups have rotation limits.

Alignment and balancing

Alignment refers to the angle of the wheels. Balancing refers to even weight distribution around the wheel.

  • A vehicle that pulls to one side may need an alignment check.
  • Vibration at highway speeds can be a sign of imbalance.
  • Hitting a large pothole or curb is a common reason to have alignment checked.

Seasonal vehicle preparation

A few routine checks at the start of each season keep your car ready for changing conditions.

  • Swap seasonal tires if you use dedicated winter or summer sets.
  • Check wipers, washer fluid, and lights along with tires.
  • Store off-season tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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