Extend tire life by up to 20% with regular tire rotation services from tire shops across Canada
Professional tire rotation service includes comprehensive inspection and proper rotation patterns
Proper rotation pattern based on your vehicle's drivetrain (FWD, RWD, AWD)
Tire pressure inspection and adjustment to manufacturer specifications
Complete check for uneven wear, damage, and embedded objects
Proper lug nut torquing to prevent loosening and ensure safety
Front to back (same side)
Rear crosses to front
Most common pattern for front-wheel drive vehicles. Front tires move straight back, rear tires cross to opposite front positions.
Rear to front (same side)
Front crosses to rear
Standard pattern for rear-wheel drive vehicles. Rear tires move straight forward, front tires cross to opposite rear positions.
All tires cross
Diagonal swap
Used for all-wheel drive and some 4WD vehicles. All four tires cross to opposite corners for even wear distribution.
Important: Directional tires (with specific tread direction) and staggered fitments (different size front/rear) require different rotation patterns. Always consult your tire professional for the correct pattern for your vehicle.
Regular rotation can extend tire life by 15-20%, potentially adding 10,000-15,000 km to your tires.
Spending $30-50 on rotation saves hundreds on premature tire replacement. Great return on investment.
Promotes uniform tread wear across all tires, preventing one tire from wearing faster than others.
Evenly worn tires provide better traction, handling, and braking performance in all conditions.
Prevent uneven wear patterns that cause road noise, cupping, and vibrations.
Most tire warranties require regular rotation. Keep records to ensure warranty coverage.
Pro Tip: Combine tire rotation with other maintenance services to save time:
Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 8,000-10,000 km (5,000-7,000 miles) or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations. A good rule of thumb is to rotate with every other oil change.
Yes, if you have a jack, jack stands, and a torque wrench. However, professional shops have hydraulic lifts for safety and speed, ensure proper torque specifications, and inspect for issues you might miss. Most shops charge $20-50, making professional service worthwhile.
Not necessarily every time. Tire rotation doesn't require balancing unless you notice vibrations or it's been 20,000+ km. However, many shops include a balance check with rotation. If tires need balancing, it typically adds $40-60 to the cost.
Without rotation, front tires on FWD vehicles can wear 2-3 times faster than rear tires, requiring early replacement. You'll need to buy tires sooner (wasting money), experience reduced traction and handling, potentially void tire warranties, and risk uneven wear causing vibrations and noise.
Yes, but directional tires (with arrow marking) can only be rotated front-to-back on the same side, not crossed. Some performance vehicles have staggered fitments (different front/rear sizes) that can't be rotated at all. Consult your tire technician.
Yes, all-wheel drive vehicles should rotate tires more frequently (every 5,000-8,000 km) because all four tires receive power. Uneven tire diameter on AWD can damage the drivetrain, so keeping tires evenly worn is critical.
Find tire shops near you offering professional tire rotation services