How often should I rotate my tyres?

Most manufacturers recommend rotating tyres every 5,000-8,000 miles, or at every other oil change. Some recommend every 10,000 miles. Regular rotation ensures even wear across all four tyres, extending their total life by 20-30%. Check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation.

Why is tyre rotation important?

Front and rear tyres wear differently. On FWD cars, the front tyres wear much faster because they handle steering, braking, and driving forces. On RWD cars, rear tyres wear faster. Without rotation, you may need to replace two tyres long before the other two. Rotation evens out the wear.

What rotation pattern should I use?

The pattern depends on your drivetrain and tyre type. FWD: forward cross (fronts go straight back, rears cross to front). RWD: rearward cross (rears go straight forward, fronts cross to rear). AWD: X-pattern (diagonal swap). Directional tyres: front-to-rear on same side only.

Can I rotate directional tyres?

Yes, but they can only move front-to-rear on the same side (the tread pattern is designed to rotate in one direction). If you want to cross sides, the tyres must be removed from the rims and remounted, which adds significant cost.

Should I balance tyres when rotating?

It is good practice to balance tyres during rotation, but not always necessary. If you notice vibration at certain speeds, balancing is needed. Many tyre shops include balancing in the rotation cost. Expect to pay £5-£10 per wheel for balancing, or £20-£40 for a full rotation and balance.

CarCalcs

Tyre Rotation Calculator — Pattern & Interval

Calculate the correct tyre rotation pattern and interval for your car's drivetrain type.

Current Mileage

Last Rotation (mileage)

Drivetrain

Tyre Type

Rotation Interval

Annual Mileage

Cost Per Set of 4 Tyres

How We Calculate This

Rotation Patterns

Forward Cross (FWD): Fronts straight to rear; rears cross to opposite front
Rearward Cross (RWD): Rears straight to front; fronts cross to opposite rear
X-Pattern (AWD/4WD): Each tyre moves diagonally
Directional: Front-to-rear on same side only
Staggered: Side-to-side on same axle only

Benefits

Regular rotation extends tyre life by approximately 20-30%, saving you the cost of premature replacement. On a £300 set of tyres, this can save £75-£120 over their lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.