How to Rotate Tires?
2 Answers
Tire rotation methods vary depending on the type and characteristics of the tires. Modern vehicles use radial tires, which can only be rotated unilaterally, meaning the tires must remain on the same side of the vehicle to maintain the same rotation direction. Cross rotation would inevitably alter the tire's rotation direction, leading to imbalance and causing the vehicle to sway from side to side while driving. If the vehicle is equipped with snow tires, rotation is unnecessary. For rear-wheel-drive models, when rotating tires, the left front tire should be moved to the right rear, the right front tire to the left rear, the left rear tire to the left front, and the right rear tire to the right front. It's important to note that tire rotation should be performed at a professional repair shop, and a four-wheel alignment should be done after rotation. Regular tire maintenance is also essential.
When it comes to tire rotation, with over 20 years of driving experience, I'm used to maintaining my vehicle myself—it saves money and ensures safety. I typically rotate the tires every 8,000 kilometers or so because wear is uneven across different tire positions, especially the front tires on front-wheel-drive vehicles, which wear out faster. The procedure is as follows: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake or put the car in park to prevent rolling. Then, use a jack to lift one side of the axle, not too high to avoid tipping, and secure the rear wheels with wheel chocks for stability. After removing the tires, swap them in an X-pattern—move the rear tires to the diagonal front positions and the front tires directly to the rear. Once done, remember to tighten all lug nuts and check that each tire’s pressure is consistent (refer to the standard values on the door frame), topping up as needed. The benefits are clear: tire lifespan can extend by one to two years, driving becomes smoother and quieter, and regular checks can uncover potential issues, like uneven wear indicating suspension adjustments are needed.
