Before rotating the tires, what must be checked?

Before rotating the tires, it is essential to check the tread depth of all four tires. This ensures that the tires are wearing evenly and have sufficient tread left for safe driving conditions. Uneven tread wear can indicate underlying issues, such as misalignment, improper inflation, or suspension problems. By assessing the tread depth, one can determine if any tire needs replacement before rotation to maintain optimal performance and safety.

While checking air pressure is also important, it is often addressed separately, and rotating tires primarily focuses on their condition and wear patterns. Alignment checks and tire age are relevant but not prerequisites for rotation; rather, they are part of ongoing tire maintenance considerations. Therefore, measuring tread depth provides critical insight into the overall condition of the tires and informs the rotation process effectively.