Quote:
Originally posted by BurgundyBeast
The tires are only supposed to be rotated front to back and vice versa on the same side. I remember someone saying that it had something to do with messing up the AWD. The wheels might cool off the brakes more when facing properly (has this been tested?), but I don't think putting them on backwards would have any major influences (besides cosmetic).
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This rotation is typical of all cars, not just AWD. The criss-cross rotation was developed before steel belts. Prior to steel, tires used rayon (or other fibers), which, as you would suspect, had alot more "give." they were more "jelly-like," sidewalls had more flex, shape-shifting was more typical, so, it was necessary to take them "round the horn" so to speak. With steel belted radials, this "round the horn" rotation became unnecessary, because the construction, reinforced by the steel fibers, added rigidity.
This explanation is oversimplified, but, bottom line: front to back, back to front is the only rotation pattern needed.