Learn all about Tire Rotation, how it's done, types of it, and why it's very critical. Most importantly how much money it saves?
Tire rotation, which involves routinely repositioning your vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back or side to side, is crucial for tire upkeep and safety. Additionally, rotating your tires may be necessary to keep them covered under warranty. Read on for more information about what tire rotation is, why tire rotation patterns matter, and the correct pattern for your vehicle’s needs.
WHAT IS TIRE ROTATION?
Tire rotation means periodically changing the position of each tire on your vehicle. You should rotate your tires as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or every 5,000 miles. For many of you, this will coincide with your vehicle’s oil changes.
Regularly rotating your tires also provides a good opportunity to visually inspect them for damage, check their air pressure, have them rebalanced if you’re noticing any vibration, and check their tread depth.
WHY IS TIRE ROTATION IMPORTANT?
There are several reasons why tire rotation is an essential part of standard tire care, especially for those with tires in New Westminster. First, by routinely rotating your tires, wear is spread evenly across all four tires, maximizing their tread life. Each specific position on your vehicle requires different contributions from each tire. For example, tires on the front of a front-wheel-drive vehicle bear a larger proportion of the torque and friction needed for turning, accelerating, and braking, leading to variable wear.
Secondly, even tread wear keeps the tread depth on your tires uniform, which helps maintain consistent traction and handling across all four tires. This consistency improves cornering and braking performance, making your vehicle safer overall.
Finally, if your vehicle has all-wheel-drive, evenly worn tires reduce stresses on the drivetrain, lowering wear on expensive drive components.
WHAT TIRE ROTATION PATTERN SHOULD I UTILIZE?
The best tire rotation pattern for your vehicle depends on several factors, including the type of tire you’re using, whether your vehicle is front, rear, all, or four-wheel drive, whether your tires are directional or non-directional, whether your tires are the same size on the front and rear of your vehicle, and whether you have a full-size spare that can be rotated through as well. Let’s take a look at tire rotation patterns recommended by The Tire and Rim Association, Inc., for all of these possibilities.
FOR TIRES THAT ARE OF UNIFORM SIZE AND NON-DIRECTIONAL:
1. REARWARD CROSS
For rear-wheel drive vehicles, the rearward cross pattern is recommended. Rear tires are moved to the forward axle and kept on the same side of the vehicle while the front tires are moved to opposite sides of the rear axle.
2. X-PATTERN
Recommended for 4-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles such as light-weight trucks and sedans. All tires are moved diagonally, meaning tires are switched from one axle to the opposite as well as being repositioned from one side to the other.
3. FORWARD CROSS
This is the most common pattern for front-wheel drive vehicles. The front axle tires are moved directly back while the rear tires are moved up diagonally to the opposite side of the front axle.
FOR TIRES THAT ARE OF UNIFORM SIZE AND NON-DIRECTIONAL WITH A FULL-SIZE SPARE TIRE:
To ensure that all tires have even tread wear, be sure to rotate your full-size spare tire along with the other four. This is especially vital for all-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicles where even small differences can put undue strain on your car’s drivetrain.
1. REARWARD CROSS (REAR-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES):
Both rear axle tires move directly forward to the front axle while the spare tire moves to the right side of the rear axle. The right front tire moves diagonally back to the left side of the rear axle while the left front tire becomes your new spare tire.
2. FORWARD CROSS (FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES):
Rear tires are moved diagonally to opposite sides on the front axle while the right front tire becomes the new spare tire. The spare tire is positioned on the right side of the rear axle while the left tire on the front axle is moved directly back into the left rear position.
FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE AND DIRECTIONAL TIRES:
1. SIDE-TO-SIDE (FOR DIFFERENTLY-SIZED PERFORMANCE TIRES ON THE FRONT AND REAR AXLES):
All tires are switched with their same-sized partner and remain on the same axle. The two rear tires switch to the opposite side with one another while the two front tires do the same.
2. FRONT-TO-BACK (FOR DIRECTIONAL TIRES):
All tires are moved from one axle to the other but remain on the same side of the vehicle. For example, the front left tire is moved to the left side of the rear axle while the rear left tire is repositioned on the left side of the front axle.
For optimal performance and safety, ensure you follow these rotation patterns and visit your nearest Stire or Safari Auto Tires service center in New Westminster. Proper tire maintenance, including regular rotations, will extend the life of your tires and enhance your driving experience in New Westminster.