Routine Tire Rotation

[leicaguy]

Is tire rotation front to back? And what intervals would be reasonable? I'm at about 8K and I noticed that my fronts are wearing just a tad faster than the rear. :rolleyes:

[Miniboomer]

I had my first rotation at Discount Tire at just under 7,000 miles and yes, it was front to back. The miles were around town and several 800-1,000 mile trips (including the BRP). No Tours of Terror or track time.
Sandy

[BThayer23]

3,000-5,000 miles is a good interval, and yes, front to back. That way the rotation direction is maintained. I change my oil and rotate my tires every time the 1,000 spot on the odometer is a 5 or a 0. I just got new tires at 53k, so I'll rotate them at 55k, 60k, 65k, etc. It's good to make the first interval shorter, too, so the tires break in evenly.

[minimark]

Front to back and like Ben said no more that 5000 miles, more often depending on how it's been driven. Front wheel drive cars wear out the fronts much quicker than rear wheel drive cars wear out the rears so your rotation schedule should be shortened.

[DSRH]

I rotate my tires every 3-5000 miles front to back. My first set of Dunlop run flats lasted just over 22,000 miles which ain't bad considering I did some laps at VIR for about 2 hours on them.....My new Michelins still look great after 6000 miles...I am due for a rotation....guess I need to drag the jack out.

Rotation is what it takes....I

[Paleo]

Every 3K for me, front to back and after 21K miles on my ContiProContact SSR runflats I am still shy of the wear indicators. Fronts and rears look identical as far as wear is concerned. With a front wheel drive car my theory is to rotate often and keep the wear even. I'm hoping to make it through the Dragon trip and VIR on them before replacing with a non-runflat. I have to say that these tires do handle very well considering they are RF. Will be interesting to see how new shoes will feel.

[MidnightDave]

I do tires and oil on intervals of 5K like Ben said, just easier to keep track of it with three vehicles...don't forget frequent TIRE PRESSURE checks while you're at it!

[BThayer23]

Regular rotation and pressure checks will keep your tires in great condition. My last set (wear rating 140) lasted 30,000 miles, including three track days and one autocross. Especially on these cars, with front wheel drive and a 65/35 front/rear weight distribution, it's important to rotate. The rear tires are essentially on vacation, especially on stock suspension that likes to understeer.

Also, some people are hard on brakes and some are hard on tires. If you find yourself in the latter group, make sure to rotate anytime you start to see more than 1/32" difference between the front and rear tread depth. Pep Boys and AutoZone sell tread depth gauges for less than $10. Measure and compare inside, middle, and outside depths, too.

Of course, the alternative is to not rotate your tires at all, and when the fronts wear out, move the rears up and buy only two more tires. That way you only have to pay for two tires at a time, and you always have the stickiest tires in the back. This sets the car up to understeer, which is a safe setup.

[minibugs]

on these MINIS 3K.....:yes4:

[Hunter99]

I do mine at 5k. I have F1's and they are wearing very evenly. Frequent pressure checks is mandatory

[CabrioPilot]

5k sounds about right unless you have Pirellis then I would recommend every 3k since they only last about 9k.

[MINIGURU]

I tell my customers to rotate every 3-5k. I do my own car about every 3k.

[MidnightDave]

Just rotated mine off cycle b/c they're new and in preparation for the Dragon this weekend. If anybody needs it, I'm bringing a torque wrench for lug nuts...R53 at least, not sure what size is on the new ones and just have "my" socket...

[BlimeyCabrio]

Rotated mine last night. And installed my AX6 pads.

[BThayer23]

I'll bring plenty of tools, including the 17mm deep socket for stock MINI wheels.

[jcauseyfd]

I use a 17mm on my 2008 R56.

[DSRH]

Buy a torque wrench.....use it on the lug nuts...it is worth the $$

[MINI Rog]

I have a torque wrench (1/2" drive) do I need to bring it?

[BThayer23]

Mine's packed.