tire rotation question

[britimes2]

I did the first oil change myself because I'm always cautious with dealerships and mechanics. However, I really didn't have the time and motivation to do the oil change and the accompanying B6 service myself, so I took it into the dealership. After horrible experiences with years of Jeep ownerships and lots of places tried out for service, I was very sceptical of leaving my RL in some mechanic's hands. However, much to my suprise, the service center of Brown's Honda in Glen Burnie was great. Excellent service from the service center, direct communication with the mechanic, fast and efficient service--I was very pleased. I stood pretty close by and watched the mechanic performing the entire service. He also showed me a couple of things which I thought was great. Sometimes, mechanics can easily be irritated when being watched whereas this man was just fine with it and answered my questions which also included questions as to how I would do the same service at home, what tools I needed, etc.

The one thing I was wondering though was about the tire rotation. I seem to remember that in the manual, it recommends rotating the tires as usual: straight from the back to the front and across from the front to the back. This mechanic however did not cross the front tires when mounting them in the back. When I asked him about it, he said that the entire service center only switches front to back without crossing because the tires in the back can become cone shaped. The way he described it and how he answered my question was good enough for me. I was just curious what your experiences or opinions are on that? Thank you.

[k757]

Originally Posted by britimes2

The one thing I was wondering though was about the tire rotation. I seem to remember that in the manual, it recommends rotating the tires as usual: straight from the back to the front and across from the front to the back. This mechanic however did not cross the front tires when mounting them in the back. When I asked him about it, he said that the entire service center only switches front to back without crossing because the tires in the back can become cone shaped. The way he described it and how he answered my question was good enough for me. I was just curious what your experiences or opinions are on that? Thank you.

I don't know anything about cone shaped, but ok. The stock tires don't matter how you rotate them, any of the ways you mentioned are fine as long as front to back happen as this is essentially a front wheel drive vehicle.

Every second rotation, I have the guys do the "X" for me, then I am happy. It is a habit. I am just breaking out of the 4k mile oil change and going with the vehicle computer, so if I am wrong, I'll come around eventually.

With directional tire tread, you can only go front to back.

[shortspark]

Seems to me that what is the manual is what Honda (or the tire manufacturer) has tested and proven to be best. I would trust them rather than a shop mechanic.

[swampler]

Originally Posted by britimes2

I seem to remember that in the manual, it recommends rotating the tires as usual: straight from the back to the front and across from the front to the back.

My RL manual has the fronts going straight back and crossing the rears as they go to the front, just like any other front wheel drive vehicle. Take another look at your manual.