Although your tires won’t last forever, they can last up to a decade when well maintained. Part of routine auto maintenance involves rotating the tires’ position to ensure even wear. Here is a guide of frequently asked questions to help you better understand the tire rotation process.

A Guide to Tire Rotation

Why is tire rotation necessary?

Each tire position on your vehicle is susceptible to a particular type of wear. For instance, if you have a front-wheel-drive, the front tires take the brunt of the torque and friction that occurs when accelerating, braking, or turning. Periodically swapping them with the back tires ensures the tread depth remains consistent across all four wheels, which stabilizes handling and traction.

How should my tires be rotated?

Generally, all standard front-wheel-drive vehicles, except sedans and light-weight trucks, will follow a forward cross pattern. This involves moving the front tires directly back and moving the back tires to the front axle in the diagonal position.

Remaining FWD vehicles will use an X-pattern, where each tire is moved to a diagonal position. 

Those driving a four-wheel, all-wheel, or rear-wheel vehicle should maintain a rearward cross pattern. The rear tires move directly forward, and the front tires switch to the rear-opposite side of the vehicle. 

What if I have high-performance tires?

Modern performance vehicles are often equipped with directional tires, which have a tread pattern designed to move in only one direction. Unless these tires are dismounted from the wheel, they can only be moved from front to back and vice versa. However, many drivers opt to swap the tires on one side during each rotation instead of dealing with this hassle.

How often should you schedule tire rotations?

Typically, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, this can vary from one vehicle to the next and will depend on your driving habits.

Usually, FWD-vehicles will wear faster than other drivetrains, but AWD-vehicles will wear down the most if the tread difference among tires exceeds 2/32 of an inch.

Follow your owner’s manual guidelines and tire brand specifications to maintain the best drive. 

When it’s time for a tire rotation, head to Chung’s Alignment & Auto Services in Honolulu, HI. For two decades, this family-owned shop has provided professional auto maintenance to all makes and models of vehicles. Stop by today for a free brake and wheel alignment inspection by one of their ASE®-certified technicians. Visit their website or call them at (808) 744-8692 to learn more about their auto maintenance services.