How To: Rotate Your Vehicle's Tires

How to Rotate Vehicle Tires

John from O’Reilly Auto Parts demonstrates a tire rotation and explains that the correct pattern depends on the vehicle’s drivetrain and whether its tires are directional. He recommends following the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for rotation patterns, lifting points, and lug-nut torque. Tire rotation is generally recommended every 5,000–7,000 miles.

Choose the Appropriate Rotation Pattern

• Front-wheel drive: Move both front tires straight to the rear. Move the rear-left tire to the front-right, and the rear-right tire to the front-left.
• Rear-wheel drive: Move both rear tires straight to the front. Move the front-left tire to the rear-right, and the front-right tire to the rear-left.
• All-wheel drive: Use a double-cross pattern: swap the front-right with the rear-left, and the front-left with the rear-right.
• Directional tires: Move the front tires to the rear and the rear tires to the front while keeping each tire’s direction of rotation correct. Changing a tire’s side of the vehicle requires removing it from its rim and remounting it. Directional tires are often marked with an arrow or “this side out.”

Rotation Procedure

1. Inspect the tires first. Look for uneven wear or exposed wires. If either is present, have a professional assess the vehicle rather than proceeding with the rotation.
2. Secure the vehicle. Set the parking brake and put an automatic transmission in Park, or a standard transmission in gear. If the wheels have locking lug nuts, locate the special socket before starting.
3. Prepare the wheels. Remove hubcaps or wheel covers, then loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels without removing them.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Use a floor jack and place the vehicle on jack stands at all four corners, following the manufacturer’s specifications.
5. Remove and reposition the wheels. Take off the lug nuts and tires, then place each tire by the wheel well it will move to under the selected rotation pattern. If a lug nut will not come off, stop and consult a professional to avoid damaging the bolts.
6. Inspect components while the wheels are off. Check the front suspension for looseness and visually inspect the brake components.
7. Reinstall the wheels. Seat each tire flat against its hub and finger-tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has no wiggle room.
8. Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench set to the manufacturer’s specified torque.
9. Reattach hubcaps or wheel covers. If you notice knocking or increased vibration while driving, check that the lug nuts are tightened to specification. As a precaution, recheck their torque after about 50 miles.

If you are not comfortable doing the work or encounter a problem, the video recommends having a professional technician perform it.

Speaker and Source

• John, representing O’Reilly Auto Parts.