What is the correct rotation procedure for radial tires?

What is the correct rotation procedure for radial tires?

• A. RF to RR
• B. LF to LR, RF to RR
• C. LF to RR, RF to LR
• D. LF to LR, RF to RR

Answer: (C)

Rotating radial tires to even out wear across all four corners is the key idea. The diagonal cross pattern moves each tire to the opposite side and axle, so the tire that started on the left front ends up on the right rear, and the right front goes to the left rear. The rear tires then move to the opposite front positions. This “X-rotation” helps balance wear from steering, braking, and driving forces by exposing each tire to a variety of wear conditions over time, leading to more uniform tread wear and better overall tire life and handling. If tires are directional, or have a specific outside/inside orientation, or if the vehicle uses different front and rear tire sizes, follow the manufacturer’s rotation guidance instead.

Rotating radial tires to even out wear across all four corners is the key idea. The diagonal cross pattern moves each tire to the opposite side and axle, so the tire that started on the left front ends up on the right rear, and the right front goes to the left rear. The rear tires then move to the opposite front positions. This “X-rotation” helps balance wear from steering, braking, and driving forces by exposing each tire to a variety of wear conditions over time, leading to more uniform tread wear and better overall tire life and handling.

If tires are directional, or have a specific outside/inside orientation, or if the vehicle uses different front and rear tire sizes, follow the manufacturer’s rotation guidance instead.