What is the Correct Method for Tire Rotation?
2 Answers
Tire rotation should be performed based on the tread pattern. For asymmetric or unidirectional tread patterns, tires can only be rotated front-to-back and not cross-rotated, as these patterns have a specific installation direction. When rotating front and rear tires, wheel balancing must be performed; otherwise, it may cause wheel wobble and steering wheel vibration during driving. Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface. Together with the suspension system, they help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness, as well as maintaining excellent traction between the wheels and the road surface. This improves the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability.
Tire rotation is a key task for even wear and extending tire life. Having driven for over a decade, I've summarized some experience: First, check the wear level. If the front tires show significantly more wear than the rear ones, it's time to act. In standard operations, for front-wheel-drive vehicles, the rear tires should be crossed over to the front positions, while the front tires are moved straight back to the rear positions. This helps balance the effects of driving forces. When doing it yourself, find a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use a jack for stable support—be careful not to let it slip! Prepare a socket wrench and a torque wrench to ensure nuts are tightened to the specified torque, otherwise issues may arise. Rotate the tires every 8,000 kilometers and regularly check if the tire pressure is consistent. After rotation, drive for a few days; if you notice steering wheel vibration, promptly get wheel balancing or a four-wheel alignment check. DIY saves on repair costs, but if unsure, it's safer to visit a professional shop.
