How to rotate tires

Rotating tires evens out wear between front and rear, extending tire life. A typical interval is every 8,000–12,000 km (5,000–7,500 miles).

DifficultyModerate
Time30–60 min
Typical intervalTire rotation

Tools

  • Jack and two axle stands (or a lift)
  • Wheel brace and torque wrench

Step by step

  1. Check the pattern for your tires: non-directional tires on the same-size axle can be crossed; directional tires stay on the same side and swap front to rear.
  2. Staggered setups (different sizes front and rear) cannot be rotated front to rear.
  3. Loosen the nuts, raise the car safely, and move the wheels to their new positions.
  4. Tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque in a star pattern.
  5. Adjust tire pressures for the new positions if front and rear pressures differ.
  6. Re-check the wheel nut torque after the first 50–100 km.

Symptoms this can fix

Car shaking when brakingSteering wheel vibrates at high speedHumming or droning noise while driving

Procedures differ between vehicles. Check your vehicle's service information for specifications, torque values and any special steps.

Torque unit converter · All repair guides