Never done it. So I get to replace tyres two at a time...!

It appears to be recommended by many people. However, I prefer to leave wheels in one please with the explanation (or rather, excuse) that I can better monitor any uneven wear in the tyres if they're on the same axle.

Strangeley enough, last time I changed my rear wheels, the chap at the garage would not have them balanced "because they are going to be fitted at the rear" (so balancing only needed for front wheels???). Goes to show how many different ideas exist on the subject.

"However, my current car has no spare, or jack come to that, just the tyre repair kit." This is something I really hate with today's cars!

Obviously if your tyres are directional as many now are you can only swap them front to rear on the same side.

I do rotate, but i have two sets of wheels fitted with summer and winter tyres for both cars, so i get all 4 wheels out and judge the tyres on their wear patterns as to where i'm going to put them, this works for me and the tyres all wear down about the same rate.

I always allow a few hours on a dry day for this as its a good opportunity to do a full brake inspection (plus check suspension) whilst the wheels are off, strip clean lube etc.

I usually wash the wheels coming off thoroughly before putting them in the garage for the season, especially the winter set.

I use two trolley jacks, one new one which is the mainstay and one that comes out of semi retirement for when two jacks make the job easier...an aside, i believe a high (pref pro) quality trolley jack is one of the best investments you will ever make.

edit "However, my current car has no spare, or jack come to that, just the tyre repair kit." This is something I really hate with today's cars!''

And something that will never feature on a car i buy...no spare? cheerio and good luck with the sale.

Edited by gordonbennet on 01/09/2014 at 11:51

I swap the front and back wheels with each other at about 15,000 miles. By around 30,000 miles all 4 tyres are due for replacing.

I paid extra for a proper spare wheel.

Edited by retgwte on 01/09/2014 at 12:09