How to extend the life of your tyres
Tyre rotation, along with regular checks of tyre pressures and periodic wheel alignment, are all necessary to help maximise tyre life.
Many vehicle manufacturers recommend regular tyre rotations be performed at least every 10,000km.
However, more frequent rotations may be required, as tyre wear rates can vary depending on factors including the actual vehicle operating conditions, the type of tyre, their position on the vehicle, and driving style.
In addition, uneven tyre wear patterns can result from steering, suspension and wheel alignment issues that once corrected are also likely to necessitate a tyre rotation.
Balancing of all wheels and tyres should be performed at the same time as a rotation to prevent vehicle and steering vibrations developing.
Tyre rotation is often performed as a companion service to regular wheel alignment checks.
In the past tyre rotation patterns were reasonably straightforward.
However, the much wider use of temporary use and space-saver spare tyres, fitment of uni-directional and asymmetric tyres, and in some cases different size tyres on the front and rear axles, has made rotation pattern selection a lot more complicated.
Including a matching ‘spare’ in the rotation can help spread wear and maximise life of all five tyres.
However, there may be good reasons for not including it.
For example, all-wheel drive vehicles could suffer drive-line damage where tyres with significant variation in overall diameter are fitted e.g. mixing new and part worn tyres.
It’s important to only use the correct rotation pattern for your particular vehicle.
Appropriate rotation patterns may be found in the owner’s handbook, or by consulting a reputable tyre dealer.
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