Information on Tire Rotation. Information like, how often tires should be rotated, and information on why you should rotate your tires. Also an explaination on what tire rotation is for people who aren't too sure.

Tires should be rotated after how long?
Most mechanics recommend tire rotation somewhere between every 5,000 miles and 7,500 mile.

Why rotate my tires?
Tires should be rotated to increase the life of the tire, prevent irregular wear, and to allow all four tires to wear out at the same time so they can be replaced with a matching set.

What is tire rotation?
Tire rotation is simply changing the position of the tires on the car. For example, taking the front tires and putting them on the rear, then taking the rear tires and putting them on the front.

Tires can be rotated in other patterns though. Usually tire manufacturers will publish their preferred method, which may not be the same as what your vehicle manufacturer recommends, both of which may be different from the rotation pattern your mechanic wants to use.

The truth is it doesn't make a lot of difference which way you rotate the tires, so long as each tire spends equal time on the front of the car and the rear of the car.

Some older and cheaper tires do not do well when rotated side to side, so if in doubt, it's a safe bet to just rotate front to rear without crossing side to side.

Bicycle Rotation

The only time tire rotation is appropriate on a bicycle is when you are replacing the rear tire. If you feel like taking the trouble, and use the same type of tire front and rear, you should move the front tire to the rear wheel, and install the new tire in front.

The reason for this is that the front tire is much more critical for safety than the rear, so you should have the more reliable tire on the front.

If you have a blowout, if it is on the rear tire, you have a very good chance of bringing the bike to a controlled stop.

If your front tire blows, you can lose steering control, and a crash is a real possibility.