10 CAR MAINTENANCE MYTHS YOU SHOULD STOP BELIEVING

False: 1 — You can rotate all tires in any pattern

Rotating your tires is a smart move to keep wear even, but not all tires are made to be swapped around freely. Some tires—like symmetrical ones—can go to any corner of the car if all four tires are the same size. But directional tires are designed to roll in only one direction, and asymmetric tires have specific inner and outer sides. These can only be moved front-to-back, not side-to-side.

Rotating tires the wrong way can seriously reduce grip, handling, and safety. Look for arrows or markings on your tire's sidewall. If you’re unsure of the correct rotation method, visit a tire shop—they can inspect your tires and rotate them properly based on their design.