Rotation patterns.

[mrsilv04]

Sam's tried a new one on me yesterday.

I took the Silverado (2WD) in to get the tires rotated and re-balanced free under warranty. Even though I rotate them myself twice a year, I wanted them to do it, so that they could "officially" document that it had been done in a timely manner, for warranty purposes.

I do a simple front to back rotation, tires stay on the same side of the vehicle. Tires are Michelin LTX's.

Sam's took the backs and put them on the front (same side), then cross rotated the fronts when moving them to the rear. LF went to RR, RF to LR.

What is the benefit of this, over just moving the tires from front to back on the same side?

Since I couldn't come up with a reason for them NOT to do it this way, I let them do it.

What is the benefit of this?



BTW, the Michelin's rebalanced out nicely, with a minimal amount of weight. No wheel took more than one weight, and no weight was over 45 grams. Nice...

 

[Canawler]

Check the Tire Rack website for the page on tire rotation patterns. On this page they sort of explain the reasons for the various rotation patterns, but don't get very technical. You're rotation pattern is what they recommend for rear wheel drive vehicles.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=43&

 

[CapriRacer]

Well, one reason would be that each tire would "see" each position, and that would result in a more even wear pattern if there were left to right differences.

 

[bepperb]

Their rotation is what I have been doing on all my cars, because that's how I read to do it. It does mean the tires rotate in the opposite direction, so it does change something that wouldn't be otherwise, and you can't use that system on directional tires. What this does I don't know.

How do you like the LTX's in the snow?

 

[Nyquist]

Many times on vehicles with heavier front-ends or four wheel drive, the tread blocks themselves will start to become lopsided. This is called cupping.

By running tires backwards, you eliminate the premature wear and subsequent vibrations caused by cupping.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: Canawler
Check the Tire Rack website for the page on tire rotation patterns. On this page they sort of explain the reasons for the various rotation patterns, but don't get very technical. You're rotation pattern is what they recommend for rear wheel drive vehicles.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=43&


Doh!

I forgot to even look at the Tire Rack site, even though I did know that they are an excellent resource for information such as this.

Thanks.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: bepperb
How do you like the LTX's in the snow?


I'm not the "two sets of tires and wheels" type, so a dedicated set of winter tires/wheels is not happening with me.

That said, I need a tire that performs well, year round.

The LTX is great for what I need. They perform well to my relatively high expectations in the snow and on ice. At the same time, they are quiet for a truck tire, and have an excellent ride...even at 75 mph on the interstate.

I occasionally tow a 7500# travel trailer with this truck, and don't feel the "wallow" when towing that I have in the past with other tires.

Would I buy another set? Yes.