Tire rotation is the practice of moving the wheels and tires of an automobile from one position to another to ensure even tire wear, which extends the useful life of a set of tires. During rotation, each tire and wheel is removed from the vehicle and moved to a different position to ensure that all tires wear evenly and last longer. The benefits of achieving even tire wear, using rotation, are disputed, but many tire manufacturers say that tire rotation is no longer necessary, except to ensure that the best tires are fitted at the rear of the vehicle. However, rotating tires is still an important element of tire upkeep and safety.

The recommended frequency of tire rotation varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer, but it is generally recommended to rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or every six months. The rotation pattern depends on the type of vehicle and the type of tires. A common rotation pattern is to move the back wheels to the front, and the front to the back but crossing them when moving to the back. If the tires are unidirectional, the rotation can only be rotated front to back on the same side of the vehicle to preserve the rotational direction of the tires, unless they are remounted.

Regularly rotating tires also gives an opportunity to visually inspect them for damage, check their air pressure, have them rebalanced if you’re noticing any vibration, and check their tread depth. The benefits of tire rotation include even tread wear, extended tire life, and improved performance.