Tire rotation is a simple matter. Like many things automotive it is also a topic loaded with mis-information. The general principle is to even out tire wear, between the front and rear of the vehicle. In theory this should provide longer tire service. Tires are normally rotated between 5,000 and 9,000 miles. There are four basic patterns in general use:
Each style purports to offer certain advantages and some vehicle manufacturers recommend one style or the other. It is important to realize that Tire balance is a totally separate item from rotation. Tire rotation is considered maintenance, it should be done at suggested intervals. Tire balance is a repair, it is only needed when there is a problem. Tires should be properly balanced when installed new. They should also remain balanced for the life of the tread, unless:
The tire is removed from the wheel
The balance weight is removed or comes off the wheel
The tire or wheel is damaged or develops a problem
In the last case the problem should be resolved rather than trying to treat the symptoms with balance.
Pattern 1, no rotation at all
There are instances when tire rotation is not proper. For instance on vehicles with unidirectional tires and different size tires front to rear. In this case the tires are not rotated at all. Other cases could include, when one tire is a different tread pattern or newer than the other three. This can result when one tire is replaced, perhaps due to tire damage. Mismatched tires on the front can result in the vehicle pulling in one direction. In such a case the odd tire is placed on the rear and left there.
In cases where two new tires are installed, they should go on the rear of the vehicle. If the vehicle has two much newer tires on the rear, they should not be rotated.
Pattern 2, front tires moved to rear
Putting the front tires on the rear and rear on the front is very common practice. The left tires remain on the left and the right remain on the right. This method is necessary with unidirectional tires or wheels. That is tires and/or wheel that are different from left to right.
Patten 3, cross the front tires to the rear
Many people still believe that crossing radial tires, side to side will cause damage. This is not true, and cross-rotation is sometimes recommended by manufacturers. Cross-rotation can also help when tires are worn irregularly, such as being chopped in spots. This method cannot be used with unidirectional tires.
Pattern 4, cross the rear tires to front
A slight variation on pattern 3. The rear tires are crossed to the front, rather than fronts crossed to rear. Some manufactures recommend this pattern. It can also be useful when the rear tires become chopped or worn in spots.
Tire inflation and proper wheel alignment are also very important to tire life. For more information please see the AGCO Automotive Detailed Topics on Tire Inflation, The AGCO Way and Wheel Alignment Myths.
