Front and rear tyres wear at different rates. On front-wheel-drive cars, the fronts handle steering, most braking, and drive, so they wear faster.
Rotating tyres regularly evens wear, so the whole set lasts longer and can be replaced together.
How often
A common recommendation is every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (8,000 to 13,000 km), or at every oil change. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s advice.
Patterns
- ▸Front-wheel drive: fronts move straight back; rears cross to the front
- ▸Rear-wheel drive: rears move straight forward; fronts cross to the back
- ▸Directional tyres: swap front to back on the same side only
- ▸Different sizes front and rear: may not be rotatable
Check while you rotate
Look for uneven wear: wear on both edges suggests underinflation; centre wear suggests overinflation; one-sided wear often points to alignment issues. Check pressures after rotating.
When it is not worth it
Some drivers prefer to keep the best tyres on the rear for stability in wet conditions. If tyres are near their legal limit, it may be better to replace them rather than rotate.
CAUTION: This is general automotive information, not professional mechanical advice. Always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and service schedule, and have brakes, steering, tyres, and other safety-critical systems inspected by a qualified mechanic.