- Tyre rotation involves specific patterns of interchanging tyres
- Cars with different drivetrains have different patterns of rotation
- Rotating tyres helps in increasing tread life and tyre life
Tyre rotation is a process of positionally rotating and interchanging tyres of a vehicle in specific patterns for even tread wear. This pattern of interchanging depends on the kind of vehicle you are having and the rotation process changes accordingly.
Rotating the tyres helps in even tread wear of the tyres which results in increased tyre life and safety. Many companies in fact also include tyre rotation as a mandatory practice if the owner wishes to keep the tyre warranty valid.
Cars with different types of drivetrains have different tyre rotation processes which have been described below:
Tyre rotation in Front-wheel drive car
The Front-wheel of any front-wheel-drive car bears a major portion of the torture that comes with driving the car on the road. Add to that, the additional load of steering and braking inputs and the caster angle and camber angles.
Hence, their tread wear and tear is more evident and noticeable than the rear tyres. To perform a tyre rotation in a front-wheel-drive car, you should:
- jack the car up
- take the front wheels off and move them straight to the back.
- take the left rear wheel off and take it to the front right of the car then take the right rear wheel off and take it to the front left of the car.
- Screw the front tyres to the back straight and the rear tyres in a criss-cross pattern to the front.
Also Read: Keep A Tab On The Car Tyre Pressure Regularly & Stay Safe On Roads
Tyre rotation in Rear wheel drive car
Rear-wheel drive car sports a different rotational process and is completely opposite of the pattern observed in a front-wheel-drive car’s tyre rotation.
- jack the car up
- take the back wheels off and move them straight up to the front.
- take the left front wheel off and take it to the back right of the car then take the right front wheel off and take it to the back left of the car.
- Screw the back tyres to the front straight and the front tyres in a criss-cross pattern to the rear.
Tyre rotation in AWD or four-wheel-drive cars
AWD and Four-wheel-drive cars have a unique rotational process as all 4 wheels have power supplied to them. Their rotation process works in a cross:
1) The front right tyre should be interchanged with rear left tyre and the front left tyre should be interchanged with the rear right tyre.
2) The front pair of tyres will be crossed with rear pair of tyres.
Every manufacturer gives its tyre rotation period but if you don't know the interval at which your tyres are to be rotated, it is generally recommended to get a car's tyres rotated every 10000 kms.
This will help you increase your tyre's life, even tread wear, enhance vehicle handling and sometimes maybe even maintain your tyre's warranty.
Image Credits : autoguru
