I have noticed there are about three ways people usually rotate tire. One, the front to back-back to front same side only., Two, the front to back-then back to opposite front, and lastly, the "X" pattern.
I know back in the days of old, it was taboo to swap directions on a tire because of belt movement. Today, doesn't seem to be a problem. So, that being said, I normally "X" rotate my tires. It is on a front wheel drive Elantra. This reasoning is as follows.
Front to rear to front only: tire never sees anything but same direction, and wear patterns remain unchanged.
Front to rear to front. Tire sees all directions of wear, but takes two rotations to accomplish this
"X" Tire sees All directions of travel, in only one rotation
For me, the "X" pattern has shown the most even wear pattern and tread depth on my tires. I am not one that likes to see more tread on one set of tires and less on the other. when that happens, you end up buying two new tires while running two used tires. I like my traction ability equal on all side. Just my OCD.
So the question remains. Which really IS the best way, or does it really even matter?
I know back in the days of old, it was taboo to swap directions on a tire because of belt movement. Today, doesn't seem to be a problem. So, that being said, I normally "X" rotate my tires. It is on a front wheel drive Elantra. This reasoning is as follows.
Front to rear to front only: tire never sees anything but same direction, and wear patterns remain unchanged.
Front to rear to front. Tire sees all directions of wear, but takes two rotations to accomplish this
"X" Tire sees All directions of travel, in only one rotation
For me, the "X" pattern has shown the most even wear pattern and tread depth on my tires. I am not one that likes to see more tread on one set of tires and less on the other. when that happens, you end up buying two new tires while running two used tires. I like my traction ability equal on all side. Just my OCD.
So the question remains. Which really IS the best way, or does it really even matter?