Tyre rotations are an often-forgotten component of tyre maintenance, and should be considered just as important as a wheel alignment.
A tyre rotation is the practice of moving your tyres from one position on your vehicle to another. This is done to help ensure that all of your tyres wear evenly and last as long as possible.
It is generally recommended to rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres, or every six months, whichever comes first.
A routine of tyre pressure checks, wheel alignments and tyre rotations is the best way to get the longest possible range from a set of tyres, regardless of what you drive.
Why are Rotations so Important?
Tyre rotations are important for a few reasons:
Even tyre wear: Tyre rotations help to ensure that all of your tyres wear evenly, which extends their lifespan. Many vehicles wear their front and rear tyres at different rates, with the front tyres typically wearing out faster thanks to the added weight of the engine and the additional duties they perform from braking and steering.
Improved performance: Uneven tyre wear can lead to reduced traction and handling, and increased road noise and vibrations. By rotating your tyres, you can distribute this wear evenly, which can help to improve the performance of your vehicle.
Cost savings: By taking steps to extend the lifespan of your tyres, you can offset the cost of your tyres over time. This can be especially important if you have a high-performance or specialty tyre that is more expensive to replace.
How Does a Tyre Rotation Work?
A tyre rotation service involves removing the tyres from a vehicle and reinstalling them in a different position. Depending on your vehicle, a tyre might be rotated to a different position based on a pre-set pattern or based on your tyre wear patterns.
Vehicles that are front wheel drive or rear wheel drive often have different tyre rotation requirements to vehicles that are rear wheel drive.
Often, the rear tyres will be moved to the front of the vehicle, while the front tyres will be placed on the diagonally opposite corner of the car. This helps to counteract any extra wear from steering or cornering.
Some sports vehicles have different sized tyres front and rear, which means that a tyre rotation can only be performed side-to-side, as the difference between the front and rear tyres makes them unsuitable for swapping.
Can Directional Tyres be Rotated?
Directional tyres are designed to be mounted on a vehicle in a specific direction, indicated by sidewall markings. These tyres are typically used on high-performance vehicles and are designed to provide maximum traction, water dissipation and handling in one direction only.
It is absolutely not recommended to rotate directional tyres the same way as regular asymmetric tyres, as doing so can compromise their performance.
If you have directional tyres on your vehicle and would like a tyre rotation, we will move them front-to-back and vice versa, keeping them on the same side of the vehicle. For vehicles with directional tyres AND staggered fitment, the only way to perform a tyre rotation is to remove the tyres from the wheel and remount them, which is easy, it just takes extra time.
It's always a good idea to consult your vehicle owner's manual or the tyre manufacturer's recommendations for specific guidance on whether and how to rotate directional tyres.
Have a Tyre Rotation at Tyrepower!
When getting a tyre rotation at a Tyrepower store, it's a good idea to be prepared and discuss the type of vehicle you have and the type of tyres you are using, as well as any specific concerns or preferences you have.
We will be able to recommend the best tyre rotation pattern for your vehicle and tyres, and can also check your tyres for any issues such as uneven wear, damage, or low tread depth.
It's also a good idea to ask about any additional services that may be required at the time of the tyre rotation, such as balancing or aligning the tyres. This can help to ensure that your tyres stay in good condition, which can help to improve their performance and extend their lifespan.
