Tires Rotation: When and Why Should You Rotate Truck Tires?

Tire rotation is a routine practice that comes with many benefits to keep your truck and tires in check and, most importantly, maintain your safety. Another principle benefit of tire rotation is to extend tire life and even treadwear. Rotation also helps ensure any uneven wear is equaled out. How often you should rotate your tires can be found in the vehicle’s manual. If the manual doesn’t specify then it is recommended to get a tire rotation done every 5,000 miles. This can be done professionally at a tire dealership or at your nearest automotive service center.

Tire rotation helps spot if the wheels are out of alignment. If your truck is out of alignment, the tires are likely uneven. Uneven tires will have a shortened lifespan, and will need to be replaced before the expected time. An uncomfortable ride is also a sign that your truck is out of alignment, which can be caused by uneven tread wear. When a truck is out of alignment, there could be other underlying problems. Nowadays, mechanics have computer-powered machines that will accurately point out hidden mechanical issues. 

It is important to remember if your vehicle is a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicle, as this will make a difference in how your tires wear out, depending on the braking mechanism. “Modified cross rotation” is a practice that can be done on any front and rear-wheel drive vehicle that comes with four non-directional tires. This is a cross-to-drive pattern made to perform in a direction denoted on the sidewall. It must be rotated front to rear mainly to keep the direction of rotation the same.

For four-wheel drive vehicles, it is best to use a four-tire cross rotation. Using this pattern, the tires on both axles are crossed and then installed into the opposite axle. The straight rotation pattern is used for directional tread patterns. It is done by swapping the front and rear tires but is not swapped in the crossed direction.

Still not sure about the correct rotation for your vehicle? Ask our specialists at OTRUSA.COM! We have over 20 years of experience in the tire industry, and are happy to answer your questions and help you to make the right decision, so please feel free to give us a call at +1-855-687-8721.