Some folks might think that tire rotations and changeovers are the same, but there is a key difference. A tire rotation is a routine procedure that helps preserve the traction levels of your existing tires and ensures they all wear down at an even rate. In a typical rotation, the tires of your car are reassigned according to your vehicle's drivetrain and the function of the tires themselves. For example: a front-wheel-drive car will have its directional tires removed and sent to the rear axles, while the rear tires are moved up front. Since the front directional tires see the most action in a FWD car, a rotation allows the previously rear tires to pick up the slack.

You should schedule a tire rotation once every 6,000 miles or so. While this procedure is often overlooked, it can lead to more hassles later down the road. Unrotated tires will wear down unevenly, which can cause your vehicle's alignment to fall out of balance, leading to excessive vehicle swaying/listing and decreased fuel economy. Of course, the biggest concern with unrotated tires is your safety- hydroplaning and loss of control can occur when the directional tires lose traction.