Rear Wheel Drive Tire Rotation-How to Rotate Tires of RWD?
Regular tire rotation of an RWD (Rear-wheel drive) is the key to achieving the desired traction, optimal performance, and overall road safety of the vehicle.
Proper tire rotation is crucial to maximize the tire’s longevity, fuel average, and overall handling of the vehicle in both snowy and regular road conditions.
In this article, we’ll delve into recommended RWD tire rotation patterns and how to implement them without spending a penny.
How to Rotate Tires of RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)?
REQUIRED TOOLS
STEP BY STEP PROCESS:
STEP NO 1: Park your RWD on a less crowded flat surface. Set parking or hand brake to ensure the vehicle will not go anywhere during the work.
STEP NO 2: Wear safety gloves to shield yourself from dirt and sharp objects.
STEP NO 3: Secure the tires with Wheel chocks/Tire Wedges.
STEP NO 4: Take a compatible lug or impact wrench and Slightly loosen the lug nuts, don’t take off the tires at this point. It will be much easier to remove the tires once the vehicle is in the air.
STEP NO 5: With the help of a car jack, raise the side or corner of the vehicle off the ground. Refer to the user’s manual for the exact placement of the jack.
STEP NO 6: Once the vehicle is in the air, secure it with the jack stands.
NOTE: If you are supporting the only corner of the vehicle, one jack will be enough, however, for supporting the whole side we highly recommend using at least two jack stands. Also, double-check the jack stands before starting the process.
STEP NO 7: Carefully remove the tires.
STEP NO 8: Refer to the owner’s manual and look for the manufacturer’s recommended tire rotation pattern as per the type, model, and purpose of the vehicle.
STEP NO 9: Rotate the tires and tight back the lug nuts. Star or crisscross are the recommended patterns for tightening the lug nuts.
STEP NO 10: Raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands and carefully remove them, lower the vehicle, and apply some more torque to ensure the vehicle will be secure on the road.
STEP NO 10: Monitor the tire pressure and adjust it.
Recommended Read: How to rotate the tires of a 4×4 truck?
Rear Wheel Drive Tire Rotation Pattern
Considering that rear-wheel drive vehicles put more strain on the rear wheels than the front, it’s important to choose the one that will wear down each tire equally as per the type, model, and purpose of the vehicle.
Before starting the tire rotation process, we highly recommend going through the owner’s manual.
Tire Rotation Patterns for an RWD with Non – Directional Tires
Below are the most commonly used tire rotation patterns for an RWD with a set of non-directional tires.
Rearward Cross:
The rearward cross is considered the simplest yet lucrative tire rotation pattern for an RWD.
- The rear tires exactly move to the front (i.e. the rear right should be replaced with the front right and the rear left to the front left).
- Move the rear tires to the front in a cross or X-pattern (i.e. the front right goes to the rear left and the front left goes to the rear right).
X – Pattern:
X – Pattern is the 2nd most popular tire rotation pattern for an RWD with a set of non-directional tires.
- We just need to replace the tires in the cross (like cross multiplications). For instance, the front right goes to the rear left, and the front left goes to the rear right, also rear left and rear right go to the front right and left respectively.
What Is the Best Tire Rotation Pattern for RWD?
The rearward cross is the recommended tire rotation pattern for most of the RWDs (Rear wheel drives), however, you have to choose the one as per the purpose, type, and model of the vehicle you own.
Individual considerations such as driving style, driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and tire types may influence the optimal rotation method for ensuring even tire wear and maximizing overall performance.
Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or seek professional advice to determine the most suitable tire rotation pattern tailored to your RWD vehicle.
Tire Rotation Patterns for an RWD with Directional Tires
Front to Rear Pattern:
- As the name reflects the front tires go exactly to the rear axle and the rear replaces the front axle (i.e. the front right and left replace the rear right and left and vice versa.)
Tire Rotation Patterns for Staggered RWD Vehicle
Staggered Vehicles are mostly used for Formula 1 or drag racing, they have differently-sized tires on the both rear and the front axle.
Side to Side:
The side-to-side tire rotation method is considered the universal tire rotation pattern for staggered vehicles.
- We just have to swap the front right with the front left and the rear right with the rear left.
Tire Rotation Patterns for an RWD with Spare Tire
If you own an RWD with the same sized spare tire, we highly recommend taking advantage of the moment and including the spare tire in the rotation process to ensure the spare will not go to waste.
Rearward cross 5 – Tire Rotation Pattern:
- Replace the Spare tire with the rear right and the rear right replaces the front right.
- Move the front right to the rear left.
- Finally, replace the rear left with the front left and keep the front left as a spare.
Recommended Read: How to rotate the tires of a All wheel drive?
Do RWD Cars Need Tire Rotation?
Yes, like other vehicles the tires of RWDs should be rotated timely to not only save the warranty but also the fuel, repair, and maintenance costs down the road (Read this Guide From NHTSA for a better understanding of tire safety).
How Often Should I Rotate the Tires of My RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)?
The duration of tire rotation is pretty subjective and solely dependent on the driving style and usage of the vehicle, however, as a general thumb rule, tire rotation should be done right after 5,000 – 7,500 miles or within 6 months.
Benefits of Rotating the Tire of RWD (Rear Wheel Drive)
Recommended Read: How to rotate the tires of a Front wheel drive (FWD)?
Verdict
Before starting the rotation process, we highly recommend going through the user’s manual to ensure the rotation pattern you are selecting is well compatible with the type and model of the RWD you own.
A wrong tire rotation pattern will not only affect the longevity of the tires but also compromise the overall handling and road safety of the vehicle.
Hope we have delivered what we have promised for, If you have any further inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here and eager to provide any assistance you may need.