how do you rotate tires

To rotate tires properly, you need to move them to different positions on your vehicle to ensure even wear and extend tire life. The exact pattern depends on your vehicle's drive type and whether the tires are directional or non- directional.

Common Tire Rotation Patterns

For Front-Wheel Drive Vehicles:

• Use the forward cross pattern:
  • Left front tire moves to left rear.
  • Right front tire moves to right rear.
  • Left rear tire moves to right front.
  • Right rear tire moves to left front.

For Rear-Wheel Drive or AWD/Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles:

• Use the rearward cross pattern:
  • Left rear tire moves to right front.
  • Right rear tire moves to left front.
  • Left front tire moves to left rear.
  • Right front tire moves to right rear.

Alternatively, an X-pattern can be used where tires cross sides when moving front to rear and vice versa. For Directional Tires:

• Tires must stay on the same side to maintain correct rolling direction:
  • Left front tire moves to left rear.
  • Left rear tire moves to left front.
  • Right front tire moves to right rear.
  • Right rear tire moves to right front.

For Different Size Tires on Front and Rear:

• Tires may need to be dismounted and remounted on the correct wheels, or rotated side-to-side on the same axle if non-directional.

General Steps to Rotate Tires

1. Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for recommended rotation intervals and patterns.
2. Lift the vehicle safely using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
3. Remove the tires from the wheels.
4. Move tires according to the appropriate pattern for your vehicle and tire type.
5. Reinstall the tires and tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.
6. Check tire pressure and adjust as necessary.
7. Consider having tires balanced and alignment checked for optimal performance.

When to Rotate Tires

• Typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (about 9,600 to 13,000 km).
• When changing seasons (e.g., winter to summer tires).
• When new tires are installed.

Additional Tips

• If replacing only two tires, install the new tires on the rear axle for better control.
• Directional tires should never be rotated side-to-side.
• Tire rotation helps maintain even tread wear, balanced traction, and handling

By following these guidelines, you can maximize tire life and maintain vehicle safety and performance.