The systematic repositioning of tires on a vehicle, according to a prescribed pattern, is a maintenance procedure designed to equalize wear. This process involves moving each tire from its current position to another specific location on the vehicle, be it front to rear, side to side, or diagonally, depending on the drive type and recommended rotation method. For instance, a common practice for front-wheel-drive vehicles is to move the front tires straight back to the rear, while the rear tires cross over to the front.
Consistent execution of this maintenance task yields several advantages. Even wear distribution prolongs the lifespan of the tire set, ultimately reducing the frequency and cost of replacements. Balanced tire wear also contributes to improved handling and traction, enhancing overall vehicle safety. Furthermore, maintaining optimal tire condition can positively impact fuel efficiency, as evenly worn tires offer consistent rolling resistance. The practice of tire repositioning has become a standard element of vehicle maintenance since the advent of radial tires, which exhibit unique wear characteristics compared to bias-ply tires.
