Rotating tires -- Yes/No/Only in months with an "R"?

I admit, I have been lax. Iowa weather made me loath to rotate my tires. And, I do it myself, which is an involved procedure that requires much blood, sweat and beer (I usually manage to stab myself while prying objects out of the tread).

But, it gives me a chance to check out things under the car, like CV joints, loose panels, mice nests and mufflers, as well as pry rocks/gravel out of the tread as well as check closely for other problems on the tire. Things I probably would not do unless I rotated the tires myself. Also, I don't trust the average tire buster to do this stuff.

So, I have not rotated for about 24 months. I am noticing the front tires have a fair amount less trend than the rear -- still O.K., but certainly down a bit. If I am going to rotate, it had better be pretty quick.

But at the moment, I am thinking I might just leave the fronts on until fall and then get two new tires.

I've googled and have found mixed opinions about it. Pretty much seems a wash. Anyone with particularly urgent reason why the Prius needs any special treatment?

My weather now is pretty much going to be dry through September and then pretty much wet with very little to no snow and ice all winter. Indeed, I often "bike it" and leave the car parked anyway...

I do plan on regular rotations in the future -- unless, of course, someone like Hobbit convinces me otherwise...
Kris

 

Everyone -- forgive me for the momentary lapse in judgment, not the first time.

Sometimes it takes seeing something in writing before it clicks in my brain -- problem is I should write a question and wait five minutes before posting...

So, if I do the rotation, I will be able to check all the things I mentioned earlier. So, that is the prime argument for doing it now.

Still have a couple hours of daylight, no better time than now. Hopefully none of them will be fused...

Sorry for the false alarm!

 

My only reason issue with rotating is when the wheels fuse to the hub. But thanks to advice from this forum, I now wire brush and lube the backs of the wheels to prevent that!

I found a small garter snake curled near the rear driver's side wheel when I went out. I moved it a few feet away and it stayed and watched me through the job.

Since I was out and dirty anyway, I also treated all the rubber weather gaskets on the doors/hood/hatch.

Thanks all for the tips/enouragement. Kris