Magnetic tape devices encounter read and/or write errors when the tape is not being passed across the head with the proper tension and/or skew angle. According to one embodiment, a system which corrects for these problems comprises a head having an array of at least one of readers and writers, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head, a skew-inducing mechanism coupled to the head for adjusting a skew angle of a longitudinal axis of the array relative to a direction normal to a direction of tape travel over the head, and a controller in communication with the head. The system also determines a tape dimensional stability state of the tape and adjust the skew angle away from normal to the direction of tape travel and lowers a tension of the tape across the head if the tape dimensional stability state is in a contracted state.