How to rotate tyres correctly

Tyre changes are something every driver wants to postpone for as long as possible, but it is important to check the condition of the tyres periodically and confirm that the wear indicators have not yet been reached and that the tread is wearing evenly. To get the most out of your tyres, there is a technique for extending their useful life a little further. It is called rotating the tyres and should be carried out every 5,000 to 12,000 kilometres.

Regardless of the car you drive, you must bear in mind that each wheel works differently, which means that each one wears at a different rate. Front-wheel-drive cars wear the front tyres much more, since they are both driven and steered wheels.

How to rotate the tyres?

This first step is essential: check whether all four wheels are the same size. Some cars on the market, especially larger-engined models, fit wheels or tyres of double size, which makes tyre rotation impossible in these cases.

Once you have confirmed this, the next step is to check whether the tyres can be rotated. This can be seen on the tread of each tyre. Some display ‘rotation‘ along with an arrow showing the direction of rotation, while others read ‘Outside‘.

The first type can only be moved to positions that keep that direction of rotation; that is, if it is on the front axle on the right-hand side, it can be fitted to the rear axle on the right-hand side, never to the left. The second type can be switched from side to side as long as the ‘Outside’ marking faces the outside of the vehicle. Never drive with a tyre on which the word ‘Inside‘ can be read from outside the vehicle.

How to change the tyres?

Once you have decided to rotate the tyres, it is advisable to take out the spare wheel and the jack. A hydraulic jack and axle stands will be much better. Do not skimp on safety. Next, loosen the wheel bolts of the first wheel with a wheel brace, ratchet or torque wrench. Once loosened, lift the car with the jack (make sure the jack is correctly positioned) and temporarily replace the wheel with the spare.

Take the wheel you removed to the axle where you want to fit it and repeat the same operation. Once fitted, the wheel you have just mounted should be swapped with the spare that was temporarily fitted. Apply the same process to the remaining tyres.

Before storing the spare wheel, it is advisable to check its pressure and inflate it one kilogram above the manufacturer’s recommended figure. That way, it will be at the optimum pressure when you need it.

Of course, you can always take the car to a workshop to have the wheels rotated, at a price that may range from 10 to 20 euros per wheel; rotating all four would cost approximately 40 to 80 euros.