How To Rotate Radial Tires

If you want to get the most use out of radial tires, you are going to have to rotate them regularly—every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, though this will vary based on the model. Why? Tires wear out at different speeds based on where they are positioned. Front tires and rear tires in particular wear out at varying speeds. In general, front tires on a front wheel drive car will wear out faster, and vice versa. Unless your car has different-sized tires on its front and rear wheels, tire rotation is very important. Luckily, you can rotate your own tires at home, with the right tools and knowledge.

Step 1 - Prepare

First, get out all of your tools and materials. However, only get out your spare tire if it is designed for long term use. If it is designed as a temporary fix to get you home in an emergency, leave it where it is — rotating in your spare tire is an optional addition to give your tires longer life.

Step 2 - Jacks

Your car may have a recommended location for using jacks, so consult the owners manual. Your car also may have recommended locations marked on the frame, so be sure to take a look before setting up. Otherwise, take this time to loosen the lug nuts on your wheels slightly without removing them. Next set the jack stand flat on the ground, and crank it up until it touches the bottom of your car's frame. Adjust as necessary  to get it secure, and continue to crank until your wheel is off the ground. Repeat for all four wheels.

Step 3 - Remove Tires

Now it is time to remove your car's tires. Use your car's lug wrench to remove the lug nuts, and remove the wheels when they are detached. As you remove each wheel, set them flat on the ground with the lug nuts nearby. You want to keep track of which wheel came from where, and you don't want anything to roll away or get lost.

Step 4 - Rotate

Now you can rotate your tires. Move your spare to your right rear wheel, then your right rear tire to your right front wheel. Your right front tire becomes your new spare tire. Next, switch your left front and rear tires.

Once you have all of that figured out, it is time to put everything back together.

Slide the tire on where it is meant to go, aligning the bolt holes carefully. Next, insert the lug nuts, giving them a few twists by hand to attach them. Finish fastening them using the lug wrench, but don't tighten them fully just yet. Repeat the process for all of your tires.

Step 5 - Finish Up

Crank your jack stands down until they are no longer touching the car's frame. Now you can use your lug wrench to fasten the lug nuts as tightly as they will go.