Regular tire rotation promotes uniform wear and extends tire life. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for rotation recommendations. If no period is specified, plan on rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Don’t forget to include a full-size spare (if you have one) in the rotation sequence. If your tires show uneven wear, have a shop check and correct any imbalance, misalignment or other mechanical problem before rotation. And don’t forget to check tire pressures when rotating, as you may need to adjust the pressure to match the manufacturer’s recommendations from front to back.
What’s to Know About Lug Nuts?
When dealing with lug nuts, it’s vital that you understand three factors: thread size, thread pitch and seat type. The thread size is the measurement taken across the outside diameter of the wheel stud threads, in either standard or metric dimensions. The most common thread sizes are 7/16 in., 1/2 in., 9/16 in., 5/8 in., 10mm, 12mm and 14mm. The thread pitch is the measurement of either threads per inch for non-metric studs or the distance in millimeters between the threads for metric applications. And seat type refers to the area where the lug nut makes contact with the wheel surface. The most common types are an acorn/tapered seat, a mag seat (which features a flat seating surface with a separate seating washer) or a ball seat (common for Hondas and Acuras). Use only the type of lug nut/bolt that’s appropriate for your vehicle’s wheels; the wrong type can result in wheel failure, damage and possible injury. If you’re unsure what type your wheels require, check with the vehicle’s manufacturer (or with the wheel’s manufacturer if you’ve replaced the wheels).
I only need to buy two tires. Should they go on the front or back axle?
A common misconception is that a pair of new tires should always be installed on the drive wheels. But tire manufacturers recommend installing new tires on the rear axle. Because new tires have better gripping power, they’ll reduce the potential for fishtailing or hydroplaning in wet conditions. Most vehicle manufacturers do not recommend replacing only one tire, but if you must, put it on the rear axle and pair it with the tire that has the most tread depth.