Is tire rotation still necessary?

[Waffle]

I know, a pretty tired topic, but I just had my 23 Lariat LR 24k miles tires rotated for the first time. I hadn't done it yet partly because I'm lazy and partly because I wanted to see how the tires would wear without rotation. $40 later I discovered that each tire was measure at the same 8/32 tire condition, so my question is, with a dual motor EV and heavy battery where the weight is pretty evenly distributed front to rear, is the idea of needing to rotate tires leftover from the ICE days?

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[RickLightning]

I know, a pretty tired topic, but I just had my 23 Lariat LR 24k miles tires rotated for the first time. I hadn't done it yet partly because I'm lazy and partly because I wanted to see how the tires would wear without rotation. $40 later I discovered that each tire was measure at the same 8/32 tire condition, so my question is, with a dual motor EV and heavy battery where the weight is pretty evenly distributed front to rear, is the idea of needing to rotate tires leftover from the ICE days?

You answered your own question. If the wear is exactly the same, no.

I find it's not the same.

 

[electricpig]

I have slightly more front tire.wear after 28K miles, but not a big difference. I'm of the opinion that is ts mostly something to spend money on. If you don't rotate, and end up with significantly more wear on the front or back, them you are left with replacing two tires at a time instead of 4, and you have not spent the money on rotating them in the mean time. Rotating tires spreads the weather out more evenly, it does not reduce the total amount of wear for however you drive

 

[Altivec]

I know, a pretty tired topic, but I just had my 23 Lariat LR 24k miles tires rotated for the first time. I hadn't done it yet partly because I'm lazy and partly because I wanted to see how the tires would wear without rotation. $40 later I discovered that each tire was measure at the same 8/32 tire condition, so my question is, with a dual motor EV and heavy battery where the weight is pretty evenly distributed front to rear, is the idea of needing to rotate tires leftover from the ICE days?

It being an ICE or an EV have no bearing on if you should do tire rotations.. There are many causes that can create uneven tire wear. ie, something being slightly out of alignment, even though dual motor, its not a 50/50 split so if you like to squeal your tires, its not even wear, same goes with hard cornering, the front wheels take a beating, another factor for uneven wear is tire over inflation or under inflation.

The point of a tire rotation is so that your tires wear out evenly. If one wears out prematurely, you must at least change two (front or back must be replaced in pairs). The point is to save money but if you are paying $40 per time (I do mine myself), that money could go to a pair of new tires so your question is a good one.

In saying all that, everyone is different. If you are a gentle driver and monitor your tires often, you can get away with out rotating them or go longer distances before doing so. I would invest in a tire gauge so you can keep an eye on things if you go that route though. Also need to look at the edges and the centre of each tire for uneven wear every once in a while.

 

[RickLightning]

Discount Tire rotates, and balances, for free.

 

[hb.sagen]

Is buying just two new tires a thing in the US? What about age?

5+ years old winter tires are borderline illegal in Norway due to the rubber hardening.

 

[Altivec]

Is buying just two new tires a thing in the US? What about age?

5+ years old winter tires are borderline illegal in Norway due to the rubber hardening.

-The reason for rotating tires is that you get even wear and replace all 4 at the same time. That is ideal and what is normal. But if one tire gets destroyed for what ever reason, and your other tires are at 75%, YES... it's wise to buy 2 new tires instead of getting rid of 3 tires at 75%. That would be just plain wasteful.

-I live in Canada and have winter tires on some low km vehicles that are over 10 years old. Rubber still flexible and work great. Is it your opinion that 5 year old tires should be illegal or is it actual illegal to have 5 year old tires in Norway? Sounds like a tire company is sponsoring vehicle safety over there if it is.

 

[Jseis]

My take is tire wear relates to driving style. My former commute route had one 6-7 mile section with 36 corners typically yellow signed 30-35-40 mph. “Fun to roll into 10-20 mph faster . Twice a day meant 72 corners. You like coming into corners hot? On a vehicle like a Lightning, the outer tread 2”-3” in is gone in 15K miles. Throw in Jack rabbit starts? and those tires are toast in less than 20K. The LT’s weight exacerbates the wear. Drive like an old man? You’ll get rated mileage.

 

[DavidS]

Local dealer and tire shops still seem to be recommending 3000 or 5000 mile tire rotation, but, from what I can see, the manual suggested 10,000 miles seems fine. As long as your alignment is okay and you’re not using highway on-ramps as skid pads.

 

[hturnerfamily]

in general, tire rotation is simply a maintenance idea that comes from minimizing uneven tire wear on certain locations... but, with dual motors, and a good set of balanced tires, it's likely it's no longer a 'concern' as in years past...

my wife's newer EV9 is different, though, as it is a rear-wheel drive single -motor 'Light' SR version, and the rears have certainly 'wore down' substantially before the fronts...

I've not seen any wear issues on my Lightning...

 

[RLXXI]

Front tires may wear more due to turning, scrubbing in parking lot maneuvers and so on. Shouldn't need to rotate as often due to the weight distribution and being all wheel drive.

 

[Heliian]

I just base my rotations, which I do myself once or twice a year, on wear.
My fronts do wear slightly faster and it's because of braking and turning and maybe that little bit of extra weight in the front.

 

[No Oil HaHa]

I’ve got 64k miles on my Michelin Defenders without a single rotation. My tire guy told me to come in and have them rotated this weekend.
As others stated my fronts looked slightly more worn than the backs.

 

[Athrun88]

If you're lazy, you're lazy. Just check tire wear every 6,000mi and make sure they're still even.

Habit from my ICE days (and doing my own maintenance, remember oil changes guys/girls??) but I always rotate my tires every 6,000mi. I don't care if wear is even or not, I just do it because I can and it doesn't cost me anything other than some time in the driveway and a chat with the neighbours.

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