If you want maximum performance and the best tread life from your tyre then rotating them regularly is key.

As you drive, each tyre wears at a different rate depending on its position. Front tyres tend to wear out faster since they do most of the steering and braking. Rear tyres typically last longer. By rotating your tyres to different positions, you ensure even wear across all four tyres so they last longer. Not to mention, it provides better handling, braking, and off-road performance from your 4x4.

If you're new to 4x4 ownership or just want a refresher on tyre rotation, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to keep your tyres in top shape.

What Is Tyre Rotation and Why Is It Important?

Tyre rotation means moving your tyres to different positions on your axles, and it's important for ensuring even tread wear and maximum tyre life.

Why rotate?

Tyres wear at different rates depending on their position. Front tyres, for example, typically wear out faster since they do the majority of braking and steering. By rotating tyres, you ensure all your tyres wear evenly so you can get the maximum mileage out of each set before replacement is needed.

• Front to back: The most common 4x4 tyre rotation pattern simply moves your front tyres to the rear axle and vice versa. Do this every 8,000 to 16,000 kilometres.

• Cross rotation: For the best wear, rotate tyres diagonally. Move your front left tyre to the rear right position, front right tyre to rear left position, rear left tyre to front left position and rear right tyre to front right position. This helps account for differences in road conditions for each tyre position.

To rotate your tyres, you'll need a torque wrench, wheel chocks, jack and jack stands. Loosen the lug nuts, jack up one axle at a time, remove the wheels and move tyres to their new positions according to your selected rotation pattern. Reinstall the wheels, lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern.

Rotating your 4x4 tyres regularly is one of the easiest things you can do to maximise performance, handling, safety and tyre life. So get rotating and keep your vehicle running right!

How to Properly Rotate Your 4x4 Tyres

To keep your 4x4 tyres in top shape, it's important to rotate them regularly. Rotating tyres means moving them to different positions on the axles. This helps them wear evenly so you get the maximum mileage out of them.

The benefits of rotation

Rotating extends the life of your tyres by up to 16,000 kilometres. It also provides more even performance and braking, and helps avoid vibrations at high speeds.

The rotation pattern

The most common pattern is moving the front tyres to the rear axle, and the rears to the front. This is for vehicles with the same size tyres front and rear. If your front and rear tyres differ in size, rotate them side to side on the same axle.

Steps to rotate:

1. Park your 4x4 on a level surface and turn off the engine. Allow the tyres to cool if you've just been driving.

2. Loosen the wheel nuts on all tyres, but do not remove them yet.

3. Jack up your 4x4 one axle at a time until the tyres are off the ground. Place jack stands under the axle for support.

4. Remove the wheel nuts and tyres. Move them to their new positions according to the correct rotation pattern for your vehicle.

5. Hand-tighten the wheel nuts on the newly positioned tyres.

6. Lower the axle to the ground by slowly removing the jack stands.

7. Torque the wheel nuts to the recommended specification for your vehicle make and model.

8. Repeat the same steps for the other axle.

9. Drive to your local mechanic or tyre centre right away to have them double check the wheel nuts are properly torqued.

With regular tyre rotation, your 4x4 will handle better, brake more effectively, and give you many more miles of adventure. Follow these steps and you'll be rotating with confidence in no time!

Recommended Tyre Rotation Intervals and Patterns

The most common rotation pattern for 4x4 vehicles is the front-to-rear rotation. This means moving the front tyres to the rear axle and the rear tyres to the front axle. However, some 4x4s require a cross rotation instead. Check your owner’s manual to determine the correct rotation pattern for your specific vehicle make and model.

A proper tyre rotation helps ensure even treadwear for the best performance, handling, and braking of your 4x4. It also helps maximise the life of your tyres. As the front tyres wear out faster due to steering and braking, rotating them means each tyre spends time at each axle position. This results in more even wear across all four tyres.

Neglecting to rotate your tyres at the recommended intervals can reduce their lifespan by up to 16,000 kilometres. It may also affect your vehicle's handling, braking, and stability. So for the best performance of your 4x4 and to maximise the mileage you get out of your tyres, stick to the recommended tyre rotation schedule. Your tyres and vehicle will thank you for it!

Conclusion

So now you have a solid foundation in tyre rotation. You understand why it's important, how often you should do it, and the different rotation patterns to choose from. The key is really finding what works for your specific vehicle and driving needs. Once you land on a rotation schedule that keeps your tyres wearing evenly and maximises their lifespan, stick with it.