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Tire rotation - 4 way or 5 way

9K views 35 replies 31 participants last post by  gynojunkie 
#1 ·
When I first got my Jeep, I assumed that I should do a 5 way rotation to make the most of the lifespan of my tires (-vs- letting a spare get old & unused over time). A dealer recently told me that they recommend a 4 way because if you include the spare, you'll have a tire w/ ~5-6k less miles than the other 3. That difference could cause strain on the Jeep.

Does that ring true for anyone? What do you do and why?

Thanks
 
#5 ·
with the mud tires, you should be really rotating at 3K, which is what I have been doing on a 5 tire rotation.
I use this pattern:
 
#6 ·
5-tire and oil change every 5k is what I decided on.

I follow the same pattern as "new to jeep" posted.
 
#7 ·
I love how the experts scare people into thinking street vehicles will hand-grenade if you so much as park next to a vehicle with mixed tires.

He's probably mixing up his arguments that he uses. Ya know, the ones to make people replace all four tires because one has a puncture.

Nothing wrong with 5-way.
Nothing wrong with 4-way.

4 way, you always have a shiny tire sitting out on the back. It looks nice.

5 way you get more miles on a set, but your set is also 5 instead of 4. However if you're upgrading do a different tire - that may be beneficial. By using the spare, you're also more likely to keep it inflated properly and in good shape.
 
#9 ·
I decided on a 5 tire rotation. One reason, if you get a flat that can't be repaired halfway through the tires life, I could buy a new one, keep that one on the back and go to a 4-tire rotation until it's time to replace the remaining 4. Then go back to 5 tire rotation. Otherwise you'd be forced to use a new tire with the other 3 half worn tires...
 
#13 ·
Thanks all. I did a 5 tire rotation at 6k, 12k and then at 18k the dealer said to do only 4. That didn't ring true w/ me. I'm on new tires now, and will continue w/ 5 tire rotations.
 
#17 ·
5 way always !! especially with a new Wrangler. All those great traction control devices on the new Jeeps mean that a tire diameter difference of more than 3/32" will cause havoc, maybe destroy those automated systems.

Pure stupidity to tell you the 5th tire has 5000 miles less on it so "Do NOT rotate the spare in. Like when you get a flat after missing 3 rotations the situation is better ???

Even with a TJ/YJ/CJ why would you want a NEW spare that is 10 years old when you buy new tires.

5 way rotation ALWAYS.
anything else is stupidity.
Unless you run an old spare already.
 
#18 ·
First time jeep owner here. I've never had a vehicle of any type where the 4 tire vs. 5 tire decision needed to be made. BUT, from all the reading and searching I do on this forum, and I do much, much more reading than posting, I've decided to go with the 5 tire rotation at 5K. There's some great advice and LOTS of Jeep smart folks on this site. It's a '16 Rubi HR by the way, bought 18 March. Got a little over 2K till it's time for the first oil change, tire rotation and Spidertrax torque check

Thanks everyone for all the good info here :)
 
#20 ·
Maybe the dealer rep was confusing his Wranger with the mini-van that only has 4 real tires, and a donut hidden somewhere for a spare.
 
#25 ·
You have to remember that just because that never rotated 5th tire looks shiny and new it's still aged and will not work like a new tire.

Sure, it won't be as bad as the other four when you wear them out but it'll be questionable compared to the four new ones you put on.

So if you never end up using it you're basically wasting money. You could have extended a set of tires by rotating it in.

Quick note, that's why should look at the manufactur date on tires that are "on sale". They might be old stock so that deal might not be the deal you think it is.
 
#26 ·
I have directional tires so no choice but 4 tire rotations.
 
#28 ·
The dealer is not wrong in that every rotation, one tire is put in "Time Out" for the duration of the rotation. Where he is mistaken is that will harm the Jeep. It will not. The difference in the amount of wear the 4 on the ground will accumulate vrs the spare is really insignificant. His point (speculating here) is it will exercise your spider gears more and that is bad. Your spiders were designed to be used, and are every time you go around a curve or turn. Again, wont hurt a thing. I would prefer all 5 tires keep the same wear so I don't end up with a brand new spare and 4 worn out tires. Also you'll get 20% more life out of the set.

John
 
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