ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairHard
A technician is preparing to perform a tire rotation on an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle that has directional tires. Which rotation pattern should the technician use?
- AFront-to-rear (front tires move straight back, rear tires move straight forward).
- BForward cross (rear tires move straight forward, front tires move back and cross to opposite sides).
- CSide-to-side only (tires stay on their respective axles but switch left to right).
- DRearward cross (front tires move straight back, rear tires move forward and cross to opposite sides).
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Front-to-rear (front tires move straight back, rear tires move straight forward).
Directional tires are designed to rotate in only one direction for optimal performance (e.g., water dispersion). Therefore, they cannot be crossed from side to side. For AWD vehicles with directional tires, the only acceptable rotation pattern is front-to-rear, keeping them on the same side of the vehicle.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Forward cross involves crossing tires, which is not allowed for directional tires.
- C. Side-to-side only would keep them on the same axle but switch direction, which is not allowed for directional tires.
- D. Rearward cross involves crossing tires, which is not allowed for directional tires.
Directional Tire Rotation
Directional tires, identified by an arrow on the sidewall, must always maintain their specified rotation direction. This restricts rotation to only front-to-rear on the same side of the vehicle.
- Must maintain rotation direction
- Cannot be crossed side-to-side
- Common pattern is front-to-rear (straight rotation)
Memory trick: Arrows point forward, never across the car!