Tire Rotation

[dutd33]

Hey guys,

I drive a 1992 Camry and I can't find my manual any more, but I was wondering, if I needed to rotate my tires, do rotate according to a "X" pattern, or just simply swap the front driver side ones with the rear driver side ones for both sides of my vehicle?

Thanks!

[Yuko]

"X" pattern is acceptable for tires of the same type, size, and are non-directional. That is what most tire shops do. But if you have directional tires like I used to; they can only be rotated front to back.

Here's a good link if you want more info:
tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=43

EDIT: there's a link problem so simply copy it

[slavie]

For my 99 Camry, the manual states to move front tires straight back, and back tires crossed and to the front. So, front left tire moves to back left, and back left tire moves to front right, and same for the other side.

This is, of course, for non-directional tires, like Yuko pointed out.

[Silent Runner]

Be careful with this. most modern tires, get "bedded in" or set up for smooth balancing and wear in one direction, even if they do not have directional tread patterns. Check your local tire experts if you think I'm BS'ing on this, but I think any honest ones will tell you: Front to back/Back to front rotation only!

[fenixus]

yeah, look for directional arrow on tires first. my Yokohama's are like that, cannot swap sides or they will start rotating against arrow direction.

other than that it's like slavie posted front to back straight, but back to front swapping sides (non-directional tires only!).

I swapped sides on front non-directional Dunlop tires and they were good (still are).

also sometimes, people tend to keep 2 worst rims in rear (like I used to do), so in real there is no tire rotation at all. simply the front tires need to be replaced when they are worn enough and rear stay until next tire change. that is to avoid steering vibrations at hwy speeds, from having bad rims in front (instead of buying 2 new rims).

[TheJourneyman]

There is a specific tire-rotation pattern for all drive-train types. On front-wheel drive cars, back-crossing-to front and front going straight to back. The opposite of this is for RWD. All tires crossing is for 4WD. Directional tires and staggered offsets obviously throw this completely out the window.

As far as what silent runner says, I will have to disagree. SOME tires have the characteristic he is speaking of, and this is due to their specific combination of tread pattern, aspect ratio, and rubber compound. MOST tires within the normal passenger realm(outside of the performance realm) can be rotated normally as long as the tread wear has not been affected by mechanical problems.

[dutd33]

Hey Gents,

Thanks for all of your replies for a simple question! Now I have another one...

I have these tires. I guess they're directional, right?

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...06500&sw=false

Also, how often do you guys rotate your tires? I hear so many different things!

Thanks in advance again guys!

[fenixus]

yes, the thread pattern looks directional to me.

tire rotation is I think supposed to be like every 5k miles or so? not sure, I don't really do that regularly

[slavie]

Originally Posted by dutd33

Hey Gents,

Thanks for all of your replies for a simple question! Now I have another one...

I have these tires. I guess they're directional, right?

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...06500&sw=false

Also, how often do you guys rotate your tires? I hear so many different things!

Thanks in advance again guys!

Yep, directional. So only change front to back, no crossing, assuming all 4 of your tires are the same.

Quote from 99 Camry Owners Manual:

To equalize the wear and help extend
tire life, Toyota recommends that you
rotate your tires approximately every
12000 km (7500 miles). However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation
may vary according to your driving habits
and road surface conditions.

Umm, do you just want the Owner's Manual PDF (4mb) for my 99 Camry? 99 and 98 are pretty much the identical.

[carsrus]

Originally Posted by dutd33

Hey Gents,

Thanks for all of your replies for a simple question! Now I have another one...

I have these tires. I guess they're directional, right?

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...06500&sw=false

Also, how often do you guys rotate your tires? I hear so many different things!

Thanks in advance again guys!

Every 2nd oil change is the best. I rotate every 7k miles or so and my tires are wearing really, really evenly. 5k is to often.

[Silent Runner]

Originally Posted by TheJourneyman

There is a specific tire-rotation pattern for all drive-train types. On front-wheel drive cars, back-crossing-to front and front going straight to back. The opposite of this is for RWD. All tires crossing is for 4WD. Directional tires and staggered offsets obviously throw this completely out the window.

As far as what silent runner says, I will have to disagree. SOME tires have the characteristic he is speaking of, and this is due to their specific combination of tread pattern, aspect ratio, and rubber compound. MOST tires within the normal passenger realm(outside of the performance realm) can be rotated normally as long as the tread wear has not been affected by mechanical problems.

With repect to Journeyman's opinion and information.

Maybe I should have noted that if you remount the tires to opposite side rims, and maintain their original rotation direction from new this is not a problem. I have driven a huge number of miles (million+) and worn out too many tires to name. The directional rotation of modern tires should be maintained through their full useful tread life. (whether they have directional treads or not) The most noticable result of messing with this will be that your tires will never "HOLD" a good balance for long. within a short time they will always need a rebalance and it will never be as smooth as they should be. This will also affect the longer term wear patterns and life of the tire. A good quality tire should maintain it's balance and smooth driving characteristics through most of it's useful life. If you change rotatation direction on any modern tire, it may work, (not blow-up or break), but it will not perform as it should through its full tread life.

[TheJourneyman]

Still disagree with Silent Runner, rotate your tires as suggested, generally about twice a year or every second oil change for most people.

I am a tire guy and have sold, changed, balanced, repaired and warranteed many thousands of tires of many different brands. I have never once had a tire-manufacturer rep say, don't rotate your tires unless you flip them on the rim or any other such business, when discussing non-directional, symmetrical tires for mainstream use.

A non directional tread does not care what direction it hits the pavement, nor do the belts, plys, and bead of any tire whether directional or not.

[Silent Runner]

Originally Posted by TheJourneyman

Still disagree with Silent Runner, rotate your tires as suggested, generally about twice a year or every second oil change for most people.

I am a tire guy and have sold, changed, balanced, repaired and warranteed many thousands of tires of many different brands. I have never once had a tire-manufacturer rep say, don't rotate your tires unless you flip them on the rim or any other such business, when discussing non-directional, symmetrical tires for mainstream use.

A non directional tread does not care what direction it hits the pavement, nor do the belts, plys, and bead of any tire whether directional or not.

Well... I'm going to keep doing what I do with tires, not just based on my own experience with balance sensitive cars and tires, but a bunch of other really picky, car guys who can sense a pea under a mattress.

However, I would say that TheJourneyman's advice is as good as it gets. Rotate non-directional tires however as is recomended with comfort and confidence.