Easy To Do Steps on Tire Rotation

Author: Judy
 

Rotation of tires is part of maintenance of vehicles. Rotation evens out wear and tear on wheels hence prolonging their life. Due to constant driving, wheels are prone to uneven wear and tear. After every 6,000 miles, manufacturers advise that you should rotate them. Here are easy to follow steps during rotation:

1. Park the car on level ground to avoid tipping over. Use wheel chocks placed in front of the front and rear tire to prevent the car from moving as you work. Remove hubcaps, if they are present, before you raise the car using a flat head screwdriver so as to expose lug nuts.
2. Raise your vehicle to ensure you have total access to the tires as you rotate them. Use a hydraulic lift or jack stands to lift the vehicle. After removing the front tire, under the vehicles frame, place a jack stand. This helps you ensure the car stays in the lifted position. Lower the jack.
3. Repeat the procedure with the rear tire. Use the jack to lift the vehicle's rear and a jack stand beside it. Remove the jack so that the vehicle is supported by the two jack stands. Remember to only use a jack and jack stand that will be able to support your vehicles weight.
4. Both tires suspended, use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts on the front tire. Loosening the lug nuts prevents the wheel from turning while on the air. Place the lug nuts close to the wheel to avoid loss. Use two hands to remove them from the studs. Remove the rear tire too using the same procedure. Move each of them to its new location.
5. Check the sidewall of your tires, to know whether they are directional. Directional ones usually rotate in one direction on the road. Placement of tires depends highly on the drivetrain of your vehicle. Move them to their new positions.
6. Tighten the lug nuts back into place to hold firm the wheel. The star pattern is most appropriate when tightening the lug nuts. The star pattern ensures that the wheels seat properly on the hubs and that they don't bind. Use the lug wrench to snug the lug nuts without turning the wheels.
7. Use the jack to lift the vehicle's front and remove the jack stand. Do the same for the rear jack stand. Lower the car back onto the ground and finish tightening the lug nuts using a torque wrench. Use the star pattern. Confirm with the manufacturers instruction on proper torque settings for your type of wheels. Place back the hubcaps on the wheels by pressing them back with your hands.
8. Repeat this procedure for the other vehicle's side. Remember to re torque your lug nuts after every 100 miles of driving.

The rotation is complete after you check the air pressure. Rotation is offered free by many dealers hence it's important to confirm with them before you do it at home.

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