The deeper tread on new and relatively new tires is much more susceptible to uneven wear. That is why it is recommended to have a tire rotation done at the 5,000-mile mark for newer tires.

For tires that have passed 5,000 miles, a tire rotation schedule of every 6,000 to 8,000 miles should be followed to ensure even tread wear and help maximize tire life. A good vehicle maintenance habit to get into is to have a tire rotation and balance done during the same service appointment as your routine oil and filter change.

The best way to know for sure if it’s time to rotate tires is to have them inspected by a professional. But, in the meantime, there are some warning signs to look out for that can indicate that you need a tire rotation done. These include:

1. Individual tires wearing unevenly: Check the tread of your tires closely. A need for tire rotation will often present itself as uneven tire tread wear on individual tires. This can also indicate that your vehicle is out of alignment.

When you look at your tires, you’ll see small horizontal bridges between the grooves of the tread. As the tread wears down, these horizontal bars will become more flush with the tire. Tires should be replaced before these bars become totally flush. But, if you notice that the tread on one side of one or more tires is wearing away more rapidly than the other, have the vehicle inspected; a tire rotation probably needs to be done.

2. Uneven tread wear from front to back: Another thing to check is how your tires on the front axle are wearing compared to the tires on the vehicle’s back axle. If the tread on one set of tires is more worn than the other, you should have the tires rotated.

3. Vibrations or shaking: Under ideal conditions, you should not feel any unusual vibrating or shaking when driving your vehicle. If it does begin to vibrate, even at higher speeds, it could indicate that the tires are unevenly worn. In this case, the shaking and/or vibration will most often be felt in the steering wheel.

The life expectancy of your vehicle’s tires largely depends on the specific type of tires, your driving habits, the type of vehicle, etc. Keeping up with routine tire rotation service will significantly help extend the life of your tires.

There is a range of sounds that can be produced by an unbalanced tire. Depending on exactly how out of balance it is, you may hear a light humming noise or even a loud, vibrating roar.

These noises are because the heavy spot on the tire/wheel causes the wheel to wobble as it spins. This wobbling generates a vibration, which causes the noise you hear. Generally, the louder and more severe the noise, the more unbalanced the tire is.

Though both services help promote even tire wear across all four tires, a tire rotation will not affect your vehicle’s wheel alignment. So, you don’t need to have the alignment adjusted every time the tires are rotated.

However, it’s still important to follow the recommended schedule on when to have both of these services done. Not only will they help extend the life of your tires, but they will also help pinpoint any other issues that may be present. For example, if your vehicle is misaligned, it is usually noticeable when the tire rotation is being done.

Usually, tire balancing is a quick and straightforward process. Keep in mind that most tire manufacturers will recommend balancing all four tires during the service visit if the tires have been driven on for 7,000 miles or more. On average, it takes between 30 and 45 minutes to balance all four tires.

It can take a little bit longer if a tire needs to be rotated on the wheel or if the road force balancing method is used. The type of vehicle and the state of the tires themselves can also impact how long the service takes.

To avoid adding to your overall wait time at a tire shop, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment for your tire balancing service. If you just walk into a shop when they are busy, you might have to wait a while before the shop can even get to your vehicle.

It is not uncommon to experience some steering wheel vibrations after a tire rotation is done, but it will usually fade within the first 50 miles after service. If the vibration does not improve or is severe, it can be due to a couple of different things, including:

1. Tire imbalance: The most common cause of a shaking steering wheel after a tire rotation, especially when driving at higher speeds, is a tire that is out of balance. A small imbalance that doesn't cause a vibration at low speeds will become more noticeable as you accelerate. Often, when an imbalanced tire is rotated from the rear axle to the front axle, the vibration will get worse. A slight imbalance in a rear tire is much less noticeable than a tire/wheel connected to the steering wheel.

2. Uneven tire wear due to vehicle misalignment: Uneven tire wear is another common reason for a mild vibration in your steering wheel after a tire rotation. Minor vibration and/or shaking will usually subside after the tires have worn into their new positions.

However, uneven tire wear is quite often a result of vehicle misalignment, and if not corrected, a tire rotation alone will not solve the problem. So, if you have not had an alignment service performed in a while and are experiencing vibration after tire rotation, you should consider having an alignment performed.

3. Warped brake rotors: Vibration and shaking when braking after a tire rotation service is often caused by warped brake rotors that have had their lug nuts overtightened. In this case, the vibration/shaking will happen as the brake pads pulse against the warped rotor to try and stop the vehicle.

Usually, lug nuts have a required torque setting. When a torque wrench is properly used, it will identify when enough torque is applied and when to stop tightening the lug nuts to protect the rotors, studs, and lug nuts from damage.

Remember that anything more than just a very slight vibration is not normal. If you have prominent and persistent vibration, especially if it gets worse at higher speeds, you should consider tire rebalancing and alignment. These tire maintenance services will address the root causes of steering wheel shaking/vibration.

Driving on unbalanced tires can be risky, but not everyone can fix them immediately. Generally speaking, you can drive on unbalanced tires for two to three months. However, you shouldn’t stretch it much longer than that.

The danger doesn’t lie solely in the unbalanced tire itself, but it can cause problems that can be dangerous. These include:

1. Dangerous impact on handling: The most important consequence of driving on tires that are unbalanced is the safety risk. Unbalanced tires can cause a loss of traction, making it harder to control your vehicle. This can lead to an accident and, in extreme cases, even a fatality.

2. Extensive tire wear: Unbalanced tires put a lot of pressure on the wheel and the tire itself. This causes increased wear and tear on the axle and uneven wear on the tread. This increased, uneven wear can cause problems with the vehicle’s handling or even a tire blowout. Having to replace tires or suspension parts will be much more expensive than getting the tires balanced.

3. Dangerous impact on the suspension system: Two of the main jobs of the suspension system are to reduce any vehicle vibration and to provide a comfortable ride. Since unbalanced tires will cause a progressively increasing vibration, the pressure put on the suspension system will also increase, leading to more damage done to the vehicle.

The increased wear and tear on this system will also make your vehicle less safe to drive. Remember, the cost of fixing the suspension system will be much higher than the cost of having your tires balanced.

4. Consistent vibration: Driving on unbalanced wheels will cause a consistent vibration through not only the steering wheel but the whole vehicle, which will impact your comfort in the vehicle while on the road.