How to Rotate Tires?
2 Answers
Non-drive wheels are swapped diagonally: front left to rear right, front right to rear left. Drive wheels are swapped vertically: rear right to front right, rear left to front left. Non-drive wheels are swapped diagonally: rear right to front left, rear left to front right. Drive wheels are swapped vertically: front right to rear right, front left to rear left. Vertical front-rear swap: rear right to front right, rear left to front left.
With decades of driving experience, I find that rotating tires myself is both cost-effective and reassuring. First, park on level ground, turn off the engine, and engage the handbrake—safety comes first. Then, prepare the necessary tools: a basic jack and tire stands to prevent the car from slipping. The specific steps are: use the jack to lift one front wheel, place a stand under the wheel for stability, then remove the wheel; repeat the same process for the rear wheels. The rotation pattern depends on the vehicle type: for front-wheel-drive cars, the front tires are typically moved straight to the rear, while the rear tires are swapped crosswise—for example, the left rear tire goes to the right front, and the right rear tire goes to the left front. After rotation, tighten the bolts and check that the tire pressures are consistent. It’s recommended to perform this every 7,000–8,000 kilometers to ensure even tire wear, extending their lifespan by 20,000–30,000 kilometers, while also improving driving stability and grip to prevent high-speed loss-of-control accidents. The tools are simple, and it takes just half an hour—making it a habit brings many benefits.
