Originally Posted by Propflux01
I have noticed there are about three ways people usually rotate tire. One, the
front to back-back to front same side only., Two,
the front to back-then back to opposite front, and lastly, the
"X" pattern.
I know back in the days of old, it was taboo to swap directions on a tire because of belt movement. Today, doesn't seem to be a problem. So, that being said, I normally "X" rotate my tires. It is on a front wheel drive Elantra. This reasoning is as follows.
For me, the "X" pattern has shown the most even wear pattern and tread depth on my tires. I am not one that likes to see more tread on one set of tires and less on the other. when that happens, you end up buying two new tires while running two used tires. I like my traction ability equal on all side. Just my OCD.
So the question remains. Which really IS the best way, or does it really even matter?
Red highlights mine -
You sound like having a pretty perceptive eye about this stuff. I'm a bit obsessed with tire wear details, tire life , pressure, cost effective etc... so I'd just default to what you know works. If any doubt (and your good eyes), see how that works on the first of first few rotates and go from there. Obvious considerations - mfg recommendations or tire direction or symmetry.
In 42 years of owning and driving AWD, 4X , fwd or rwd dry- snow- and ice- , I've never had wear that caused me to buy 2 tires. Simple rotates front to rear mostly and the occasional X when slightly uneven has made it very simple and cost effective. I'm not one to drive tires to the end of their life myself. When noise ride or traction become a noticeable change, I'm okay with spending money. Safety and comfort are not too negotiable for me.
Originally Posted by Kira
Tire rotations have earned their place in the hierarchies of topics people regard as seriously as cancer, summarily dismiss with a word or two and finally, don't want to discuss any more.
There are many "industry sourced references" on the subject which come with pictures.
I read a bunch of them and noticed "rotational belt settlement" wasn't mentioned. That's funny as it is a perennial favorite of John Q.
There's an "All Wheel Drive" pattern.
There's a "5 tire rotation" which I used on my sister's Jeep with success. All 5 wore evenly.
If you have directional tread you can only "front to rear 'em on the same side". Snow tires are like this.
If you have staggered wheel sizes you can only "left to right the lot". Gosh, where'd the "rotational belt set" go.
Me, I have a FWD car so I, "Jack the back and switch 'em. Then front to rear 'em".
My tires wear straight flat across and even.
There's a militant school which proclaims tire rotation is not to be done.
Great summation !
Militant school = no rotations makes sense. Government spending isn't the most lucrative.
"My tires wear straight flat across and even."
Me too.