How to Properly Rotate Tires?
2 Answers
Radial tires can only be rotated on one side, meaning the tires must remain on the same side of the vehicle to maintain the same rotation direction. If the vehicle is equipped with snow tires, there is no need to rotate these tires.
Tire rotation is something I consider quite important. As a commuter who drives to work daily, I do it myself to save money and hassle. The correct steps are: Park on level ground, engage the handbrake for safety. First, loosen the nuts with a wrench but don’t remove them completely, then use a jack to lift the vehicle, supporting it at the recommended points to avoid damaging the chassis. For my front-wheel-drive car, I usually rotate the front left tire to the rear right and the front right to the rear left—this cross-rotation method helps balance wear differences between front and rear. After swapping, retighten the nuts using a torque wrench, being careful not to overtighten to prevent deformation. Finally, check that tire pressures are consistent. I recommend doing this every 8,000 to 10,000 km. Neglecting rotation leads to faster front tire wear, steering wheel vibration at high speeds, and safety risks. Regular rotation can extend tire life by a year or two, saving on replacement costs.