It's no secret that car tires wear down over time. Since all four tires are being used at the same time, the wear is even for the most part, but sometimes one or more wheels will begin to have uneven wear, which can be caused by a multitude of conditions. For this reason, it is important that you get your tires rotated every so often. Most car manufacturers recommend having the tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, but you may want to discuss options with a trusted mechanic, as your needs may vary slightly.

So what can cause uneven wear? A variety of issues, including incorrect tire pressure, uneven weight distribution and aggressive braking, can contribute to uneven wear on your tires. For example, if your vehicle has two-wheel drive, the wheels attached to the drivetrain will be used for braking and accelerating, so they will wear down faster than the others. Making turns will also put additional pressure on the front tires, and more weight sits in front of the car than in the rear, thanks to the engine's location.

If you don't know the last time you had your tires rotated, it might be time to call NJ Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center and make an appointment to see one of the experts on staff. They can not only rotate your tires, but can help you determine a good schedule for doing so in the future. Regularly rotating tires will help the rubber parts last as long as possible. It will also improve smoothness on the road, give your fuel economy a boost and help your vehicle retain its value.

This last point is especially great for those looking to trade in their current ride soon. A better trade-in value will mean a bigger down payment on a driver's next used car. You can check out the selection of makes and models and NJ Auto Auction while you're waiting for your maintenance to be finished.