How to Rotate Tires on an All Wheel Drive
Regular tire rotation will extend the life of your tires by promoting even wear. Rotating tires on an all wheel drive vehicle will ensure that the traction potential is maintained with tires that have the same tread depth and wear. Tire manufacturers also require regular tire rotation to maintain the warranty of the tires.
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Instructions
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1
Set the parking brake and check to make sure the transmission is in PARK.
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2
Jack up the front of the vehicle using the hydraulic jack. Many all wheel drive vehicles will have a designated jack point on a cross member behind the bumper. Place two of the jack stands under the axle inside of the wheels or at the designated jack points near the front wheels. Lower the front onto the jack stands, checking that the tires are off the ground.
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3
Jack up the rear of the vehicle and place the jacks stands to keep the rear wheels off the ground. The jacking point can be a cross member or the rear differential.
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4
Remove all four wheels and tires using the lug wrench. Keep the lug nuts organized and note the starting position of each wheel and tire.
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5
Rotate the tires by moving the rear axle tires forward to the front axle on the same side. The front tires cross over and go to the rear axle on opposite sides.
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Remount the wheels and tires in their new positions. Tighten the lug nuts in a crosscrossing pattern to generate a tight fit of the wheel to the hub.
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Lower the vehicle from the jack stands by reversing the process used to jack it up.
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Tips & Warnings
Loosen the lug nuts slightly--just crack them loose--before jacking up the vehicle to make wheel removal easier.
Check the lugs for tightness after driving about 60 miles. Reinstalled lug nuts have a tendency to loosen.
Do not attempt to rotate tires without an adequate floor jack and jack stands. The safety jack that comes with the vehicle is not safe for this procedure.
References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
