How often should I rotate my tires?

[In The Ten Ring]

I rotate my Accord's tires every 6K miles (and used to do an "X" rotation every 12K but the Honda shop was admamant only front-to-back was necessary).

1). How often should I rotate my 1972's tires (Custom 10)?

2). Should I do a front-to-back only or an "X" every other rotation?

3). *I am expecting to have non-directional all seasons on her.

[Palf70Step]

I do the x factor when I do them. I used to do every 6K, but lately I rarely do them. I personally have not found it gives me that much more tire wear.When I did rotate them I only would see about 1000-2000 mile difference before replacement. For my daily drivers, I am still changing tires every 2 years (average 25K a year) and for my old truck, they need replaced because of age, not because of tire wear.

[motorcritter]

The only reason Honda would have for F to R same side rotation is for directional tires and/or rims. Proper rotation is drive wheels crossed to non-drive, and non-drives moved on same side. If you've got a road wheel spare, then put it in the mix at the right rear (RWD) or left front (FWD). Four wheel drives should get crossed LF>RR, RF>LR, 5th wheel to right rear. Inflation can be a factor in wear also, and alignment (of course).

That's been my experience and training for years now.

[In The Ten Ring]

So motorcritter,

Since I've been rotating in an "X" pattern for some 4 years now on my Accord, should I just stick with that?

I was doing an X rotation every 12K miles and the front-to-back every 6K miles.

On my Accord, the tires are non-directional.

[motorcritter]

You're good- the whole operation should put each tire, in each position, an equal amount. When I worked for Honda, it was like 'engraved in stone' to do F/R, same side. Most tire places do it that way because its easier, though- lazy tire techs. All the tires have different forces on them, so they will wear unevenly if not rotated. Lack of rotation and low pressure eats tires up, long before they should worn out.

[slow-1]

I like 5000 mile rotation for easier math.

[In The Ten Ring]

So motorcritter, just to make sure I understand,

I need to continue with my 6K front to back and my 12K X pattern?


slow-1,

I hear ya! It's just easier for me to do it every 6,000 and 12,000 since I get an oil change every 3,000 miles. So it works out to every other oil change and every other tire rotation. I keep a log book also for both my car and truck.

[mmiddle]

On all my cars/trucks I only rotate when tire wear is noticeable or irregular. Then only F-R. I never cross them as I have personally had tread separation failures when this is done. Good4aYear's, Generals & BFG's

I'm cheap, I like buying only two tires at a time. Keep in mind, my wife thinks those pedals in the floor board are ON/OFF switches. On her cars when we lived in the city I change brakes as often as front tires and not because she rides them.

[In The Ten Ring]

I've been doing my F-R and X pattern for some 7 years now on my '03 Civic then '02 Accord and I haven't had any tire problems and all tires have worn down consistently in a very balanced and equal way. I have always gotten 3 years' worth of use out of each set of tires and I buy 4 new tires at a time, usually in the fall for some reason.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by motorcritter

the whole operation should put each tire, in each position, an equal amount. All the tires have different forces on them, so they will wear unevenly if not rotated.

Agreed 100%.

In The Ten Ring -- what I have done for many years is easy to remember, easy to do, and puts each tire at each position.

Pick a rotation schedule (every 5K miles, 6K miles, whatever) and stick with it. Move each rear tire straight ahead. Move each front tire to the opposite side rear position. Done.

Oh, one other thing. This is a great time to use your tread depth gauge.

[70c10stepside]

After burning the rears a bit, swap the fronts back, over and over till they are evenly bald.

[D.PASSMORE]

I get 60K out of a set of tires by this method, start with new set of tires:

3K / Oil change - Rotate F/R -
3K / Oil change - Balance/Rotate
3K / Oil change - Rotate and have Front end alignment checked - corrected.

I then start over again.


**Oil Change is with non-synthetic oil

[slow-1]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

slow-1,

I hear ya! It's just easier for me to do it every 6,000 and 12,000 since I get an oil change every 3,000 miles. So it works out to every other oil change and every other tire rotation. I keep a log book also for both my car and truck.

Thats a lot of oil changing...my wifes Honda specifies 7500 miles between changes.

The main reason I chose 5k miles is thats what Michelin requires for their warranty.

[brad_man_72]

I rotate my tires every time I stop.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by brad_man_72

I rotate my tires every time I stop.

Mine don't usually rotate when I stop.... but they do when I get going!!

[special-K]

I rotate tires every other oil change...6,000 miles. On the other oil change I lube and check gear cases. Every fourth I do wheel bearings and change gear case fluids.