
Rotating tyres - how often?
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Rotating tyres - how often?
I've just put a set of new BFG ATs onto the van, and I was wondering how often people rotate their tyres? Every 5k or so, or more frequently, or by wear? Will follow the guide in the wiki, but couldn't see how often to change them round. Appreciate this is probably like asking how long a piece of string is... 

1987 Syncro EJ25 Leisuredrive Tin-Top Campervan
- hugomonkey
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
i think everyone finds their own time frame it would depend on what kind of driving you are doing, i just change when i think its time and after 25000 km ive only got about 1mm difference in wear
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- hotpod
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
it is a bit like how long a piece of string is.
a lot can depend on your driving like hugomonkey says but it also depends on condition of the whole wheel set up, geometry, bushes ball joints and condition of your viscous coupling.
on my doka when i first had it, it took the outside edges off the front tyres quite quickly ( because all of the above needed attention) so i had to swap them around quite regularly to equalise the wear.
thats all you are trying to achieve ultimately, just to keep the tyre wear of each wheel as similar as possible. that includes your spares by the way.
it is just to protect the viscous coupling from premature wear. if the front and back wheels are moving at different speeds ( due to difference in circumference) then the coupling can be engaged ( partly/trying or something as i understand it) and wear prematurely.
if you dont want to bother swapping your tyres around then you can just get a decoupler
a lot can depend on your driving like hugomonkey says but it also depends on condition of the whole wheel set up, geometry, bushes ball joints and condition of your viscous coupling.
on my doka when i first had it, it took the outside edges off the front tyres quite quickly ( because all of the above needed attention) so i had to swap them around quite regularly to equalise the wear.
thats all you are trying to achieve ultimately, just to keep the tyre wear of each wheel as similar as possible. that includes your spares by the way.
it is just to protect the viscous coupling from premature wear. if the front and back wheels are moving at different speeds ( due to difference in circumference) then the coupling can be engaged ( partly/trying or something as i understand it) and wear prematurely.
if you dont want to bother swapping your tyres around then you can just get a decoupler

1992 T3 LHD Syncro 16" 4 door doka 1.9na diesel
1990 T3 LHD Syncro 16" Westfalia Joker high top 1.9 TDI
1985 T3 LHD Westfalia Joker high top 1.9 Digijet
1980 T3 LHD factory high top 2.0 Aircooled
1990 T3 LHD Syncro 16" Westfalia Joker high top 1.9 TDI
1985 T3 LHD Westfalia Joker high top 1.9 Digijet
1980 T3 LHD factory high top 2.0 Aircooled
- syncropatrick
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
I do mine annually. Only doing 5k a year it might be overkill but its an excuse to look at other bits'n'bobs while I'm at each corner. It must be the easiest job to do and it makes me feel good knowing its done and dusted.
Syncro 16” AGG Dehler Profi hightop Caravelle/Camper
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
Thanks guys, will keep an eye on them and see how it goes - at least nothing to worry about for a while 

1987 Syncro EJ25 Leisuredrive Tin-Top Campervan
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
Usually do mine twice a year, but my mileage is fairly high in comparison to others.
- axeman
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
not required for me any more. but pre decupler i would do it twice a year or every 6-7k. normally with every engine service
neil
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Re: Rotating tyres - how often?
Technically you should still do it though Neil.....Everyone with a motor car should!