Tire rotation moves each wheel to a different position so the tires wear more evenly. How often it is due, and which pattern is used, is set by the vehicle manufacturer rather than by a general rule.
The pattern follows the vehicle layout: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles do not move tires the same way. Directional tires can only stay on the same side, and a staggered fitment with different sizes front and rear limits the moves further. Some combinations cannot be rotated at all, and the vehicle documentation says so.
Many schedules attach rotation to the same visit as an oil change or a general inspection, so the two share a checkpoint. Others list it at its own distance. All-wheel drive vehicles are often treated more carefully, because a difference in rolling diameter across axles puts load on the driveline.
A rotation is a natural point to read inflation pressure, measure tread depth, and look at how each tire has worn. Wear concentrated on one edge or in patches points at alignment, inflation or suspension rather than at the tire itself, and that finding usually leads to separate work.
Rotation timing and pattern are listed on the schedule for your model, year and drivetrain. Open the vehicle record to see the checkpoint that applies.
Find my vehicleAnswers that apply generally. Timing for a specific car comes from its own schedule.
