Are you wondering about the difference between Tire Balancing vs Tire Rotation?
Tires are typically rotated on a regular basis – usually recommended every second oil change – to avoid uneven wear.
The purpose of tire rotation is so that the tread wear is evened out.
It’s important to understand that as you drive, the tires on the front of your vehicle do different duties than the tires on the back. Front tires are typically responsible for cornering and turning – and therefore do somewhat more work.
Typical Tire Rotation Patterns – Check your owner’s manual – your car may have a specific pattern
On the other hand, the tires on the back of your car basically follow the front tires.
Rotating or moving those tires to the back provides a bit of a ‘rest’ while reducing the amount of wear and tear they experience.
The back tires – the ones usually less strained during normal driving – are positioned to the front.
Most tire rotations will involve rotating the tires from front to back. However, depending on your vehicle and the specific tire manufacturer, they may recommend a specific cross pattern for tire rotation and it could even include the spare tire. Check your owner’s manual for the specific tire rotation pattern for your car.
The one shown here is a typical ‘rule of thumb’ that most follow.