Tire Rotation Pattern

[MountainGoat]

It's time to rotate my tires again. I do it every 5k miles in hopes of maybe getting a tire replacement under warranty because my Wildpeaks are no way gonna last the 55k miles they promise. But regardless if I get it or not I'll rotate them.

I took it to the dealer last time just cause it's a pita to do in the garage and to have it in the system, but I assumed they would do a cross pattern as that is what multiple websites recommend for 4wd trucks! They didn't, they did a straight front to back (I marked the tires). So I'm not even going to bother with them anymore, I will just put my own rotation into Fordpass so it's sorta official. So I was thinking I would do straight side-to-side rotation this time because of dealer not going cross and also because I do one-wheel peals everywhere and the pass tire wears down more. What rotation pattern does everyone like for the 4wd Ranger?

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[philanderer]

this. from the OM.

 

[MountainGoat]

this. from the OM.

Yeah they didn't do that. I wonder why. Extreme laziness since they have it on a lift already. Paint pen on front tires and they just moved them straight to rear.

 

[philanderer]

when i take mine in i always draw a little diagram on a piece of paper with the rotation pattern on it and they clip it to the invoice. ive never marked the tires so im just assuming they do it that way

 

[Frenchy]

It will be different for many. I myself just fo front to back on my vehicles as it is easy to do. Technically speaking both are approved methods when you get down to it.

Some vehicles that have a true matching spare that gets involved in the rotate.

If it's a dually then you leave the tires be and keep replacing front tires

 

[subquark]

huh, I learned something new! I thought radials were still only front to rear staying on the same side. I'll be a monkeys uncle! You kids today have it soo easy ... =p

This is some new-fangled stuff for me! =D

If this is the case, I think my next set will include a full spare as long as they're not directional, I ain't flippin' tires on rims for cross-directional rotation!

 

[thewhiteranger]

I found a different way: jack up front end, swap front tires left to right then swap front and back on each side --- that way you use only two jacks and they wind up in the right positions its worked well enough and pretty easy to do without a lift took a minute to figure out but it works.

 

[Charley]

Curious, if you have a matching spare, that you are not doing a 5 tire rotation.

 

[MountainGoat]

I found a different way: jack up front end, swap front tires left to right then swap front and back on each side --- that way you use only two jacks and they wind up in the right positions its worked well enough and pretty easy to do without a lift took a minute to figure out but it works.

That's still jacking it up three times. I guess it's the best way though. What a pita, I hate tire rotations. I should have just worked harder so I could afford my own lift.

 

[Frenchy]

Curious, if you have a matching spare, that you are not doing a 5 tire rotation.

Because I don't feel like replacing the spare every time I get tires which does happen every year if not every other year I would rather keep it at full life and use it as needed. The difference in treadware was one tire should not hurt the vehicle at all

 

[Whiplash]

I bought my tires from a small local shop..
They are an authorized Cooper dealer...
At the time they were only place I could find the newly released Cooper Rugged Trek tires...They came with a free lifetime rotation..?...I have been doing rotate and balance every 5000 miles...just the front to rear pattern...I like the idea of the tires spinning in the same direction...they charge me $20 for the balance ( usually find 1 or 2 that need a balance adjustment

 

[mtsoxfan]

I can't remember the last time I needed a balance on a rotation. No out of balance wear or vibration.

 

[Discount Tire]

Good conversation!

You can go to your local Discount Tire location and take advantage of FREE tire rotation. No purchase necessary!

 

[Utope]

Because I don't feel like replacing the spare every time I get tires which does happen every year if not every other year I would rather keep it at full life and use it as needed. The difference in treadware was one tire should not hurt the vehicle at all

do you put that many miles on every year that requires new tires? Or, do you like to try out new tires or keep maximum tread?

I have a matching wheel/tire on the spare and rotate it in since technically you should replace the spare tires after X years (10?). I'd rather get use out of that tire rather than just throw it away. I definitely don't want to be in a situation where I need to use the spare and it is in a compromised state. Also rotating in the spare you'll go longer between buying new tires.

 

[got3fords]

My dealer has been doing front to back on my last two vehicles. I didn't even notice till one time I ran through some paint and got it on only one side. Got it back from the shop and the two painted tires were still on the same side. I though they forgot to rotate them, so I rotated them myself. Shortly thereafter I developed tire noise and had to replace them. At least they were already worn pretty far. I guess whichever way you choose, do the same way all the time.

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