How to Do a Tire Rotation Yourself: A Short Guide

Tire rotation is a crucial maintenance task that should not be overlooked. Whether you decide to perform it yourself or visit a local service center, regular tire rotation enhances traction on the road and extends the life of your tires. Our comprehensive guide on tire rotation will ensure your tires keep rolling efficiently for a long time.

Importance of Tire Rotation

Tire wear is not uniform due to various driving habits and road conditions. Tire rotation is one of the basic tire services you’ll need to complete to get the most life possible out of your tires. The front tires experience greater wear on their outside edges while turning, while rear tires wear more evenly. If left in place, tires wear down at different rates, necessitating earlier replacements.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

Front and rear-wheel-drive vehicles typically require tire rotation every 5,000-7,500 miles. However, all-wheel-drive vehicles need more frequent rotations, around every 3,000-5,000 miles, as all tires actively engage, leading to faster wear. For precise recommendations, consult your owner’s manual and be sure to check out our guide: how many miles should tires last. 

Learn More About the Importance of Tire Position

Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) Tires:

• Move front tires to the back in the same left/right positions.
• When moving rear tires to the front, switch the right and left tires.

Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) Tires:

• Rear tires can be moved to the front in the same left/right positions.
• When moving front tires to the rear, switch the left and right tires.

How to Rotate Tires at Home

Follow these easy steps to attempt rotating your own tires:

1. Engage the parking brake for safety.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels without removing them completely.
3. Lift one wheel with a car jack and place a jack stand underneath it.
4. Remove the tires one by one.
5. Check and adjust the tire pressure to the recommended level. Rotate the tires based on the appropriate pattern for your tire type. Place the tire back on the wheel mount and hand-screw the lug nuts as far as possible.
6. Lower the car from the jack stands and use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts evenly in a star pattern. Uneven tightening may cause the brake rotor to warp.

Schedule Service & Get Your Tires Rotated at Bayer Auto Group!

If you’re not comfortable performing the tire rotation yourself, the trained technicians at Bayer Auto Group in TX are here to help. Take advantage of our various service specials at our service centers in Hamilton, Breckenridge, and Comanche. Schedule your tire rotation service today! For additional tire research, be sure to check out our overview of tire numbers and their meanings.