The Correct Way to Rotate Your Car's Tires By Lawrence Reaves At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Most drivers realize that their treads wear down over time. The rubber can slowly erode from constant contact with the road. Even though a small amount of erosion won't create a problem, a lot of motorists neglect to take measures to prevent it from becoming a safety issue. If let go too far, the worn rubber can begin to impact maneuverability and performance.

Another problem is that treads tend to erode unevenly; the ones in front (for FWD vehicles) wear out first. This is because they have different jobs on the front and rear axles. By rotating your tires, you can even the wearing. The key is knowing how to rotate them correctly. Today's article will provide an easy tutorial for doing so.

A Common Mistake

The purpose of rotating your tires is to allow each one to serve in each wheel position. Some drivers perform the rotation themselves and do it incorrectly. They exchange the ones on the front axle and then they exchange those on the rear axle. The problem is that doing so does not allow the treads to wear evenly. Those on the front will continue eroding more quickly than those on the rear.

The Proper Method Of Rotation

On FWD vehicles, rotate the wheels in an "X" pattern. In other words, place the rear driver's side tire in the front passenger position. Place that wheel in the rear driver's side position. Do likewise with the remaining treads. Swap those that are in the rear passenger and front driver's side positions.

On RWD vehicles, move both of the treads that are on the rear axis to the front. Do not cross sides. That is, the tire that is on the rear passenger side should be placed in the front passenger position. The front wheels will move to the back, but you'll need to cross them. That is, the one from the front passenger position will now go in the driver's side back position. A rotation on a 4WD vehicle can be performed in the same manner.

What About Your Warranty?

When you bought your current set of tires, they came with a warranty. Many drivers are unaware that their warranties often require them to rotate their wheels periodically (the mileage marker is different for each company). If you fail to do so, you might unwittingly invalidate your warranty. This is not the most important reason to rotate your wheels, but you should keep it in mind.

Rotating your tires not only helps to even out tread wear, but it also helps to preserve the treads. As a result, you won't need to invest in a new set as quickly as you might otherwise. What's more, by preserving the rubber, you'll enjoy better handling and maneuverability. If you intend to perform the rotation at home, use the instructions above to make sure you do the job correctly.

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