how do *you* rotate your tires?

[10JQKA]

how do you rotate your tires?

front <--> rear, side <--> side, crossing over (forward/rearward), or X-pattern?

and how do you fit your matching full-size spare into the mix?

 

[Glock_19]

how do you rotate your tires?

front <--> rear, side <--> side, crossing over (forward/rearward), or X-pattern?

and how do you fit your matching full-size spare into the mix?

Rearward cross. The spare is always just the best looking tire from the set when I change them. I don't rotate the spare into the mix.

 

[4x4mike]

I do an x-cross every oil change. It's probably over kill but I make time for the maintenance. If for whatever reason I can't rotate them I know I can go another cycle without worrying about them. It also gives me a chance to inspect the inside of the tire, rim, brakes, etc.

 

[SparkEE]

I have always done choice "A". That way, all tires get a chance at all positions.

 

[morbidsanity]

speaking of tires wich tires generaly wear faster on 4runners?

 

[sn0wrunner]

I use method D.

 

[Singtoe]

Method D. All the other methods are bad.

 

[hrt4me]

Method D. All the other methods are bad.

would you please elaborate as to why?

 

[Full_Throttle]

Here is what tire rack says are the two options for a 5 tire rotation. We obviously want the 4wd version:thumb:

 

[Singtoe]

would you please elaborate as to why?

Old wise tale. Urban myth.

Tires have memory. They have rotated their entire life in one direction. The rubber is stretched and worked in one direction. When you spin it the other way, it has a tendency to unravel.

In simple terms:

Imagine taking a dollar bill and rolling it in the palm of your hand. It rolls tight in one direction then roll it back wards and the dollar bill unravels.



Now I am not saying that it will happen but you never know.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Method D. All the other methods are bad.

My neighbor who is a mechanic told me the same thing a few months ago. He described method D and said not to cross left to right .

 

[BrianSD_42]

I see no practical reason to rotate your spare.

 

[Coveman]

Old wise tale. Urban myth.

Tires have memory. They have rotated their entire life in one direction. The rubber is stretched and worked in one direction. When you spin it the other way, it has a tendency to unravel.

I've experienced exactly that on a set of trailer tires...the tires cupped noticeably and then eventually wore back down...those were bias ply tires, tho...

I utilize method D and let the spare stay put (but check the air pressure!):wof:

 

[jmildoc]

I use method a, b, c, d. just depends on the day and the mood i am in.

 

[Brian757]

I have heard of all of the combinations but my father taught me Method D. I never asked why, I just did it.

 

[Cuco]

I use the method C with good results.

 

[KSWAY]

I do it according to the tread wear pattern and type of tires (Directional/Non Directional).

 

[ALBPM]

I always use "D"

I think that it has something to do with the belts separating on the radial tires
if you cross them

 

[JohnsD90]

There is also method F which each tire stays where it is! I don't recommend it though.

 

[sportscarfan]

how do you rotate your tires?

front <--> rear, side <--> side, crossing over (forward/rearward), or X-pattern?

and how do you fit your matching full-size spare into the mix?

I've done method "B" 2x now with the Duratrac's. I need to rotate again and plan to go with "A" this time (no good reason).
I don't rotate the spare - it appears original and in new condition, and it's a few sizes too small....the reason it's sitting in the shed.

I rotate my other cars via "D", but they have directional rubber.