For the first rotation, I would go front-to-back, back-to-front. Then, do the same, but diagonally for all subsequent rotations. (Not including the spare.) Or, you can just rotate diagonally always. Directional tires always rotate front-to-back, back-to-front.

Or, take your pick ...
https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/...ation-patterns

 

 

There is a practical consideration. Unless you have a lift in your garage, it's gonna be a PITA to cross-rotate. You'd pretty much have to put the car up on two sets of jack stands.

If the car is well aligned and in good repair it shouldn't matter very much, IMO.

Personally, I would take it to a shop to have it cross-rotated, or do front-back if I DIY. But I don't usually need to rotate between seasonal winter wheel/tire swaps. And the winter tires are directional, so they would go front-back anyway.

 

Discount Tire (or America''s Tire in some areas) will rotate tires for free, even if not purchased there. Sure bets 4 jack stands in my mind. LOL

 

This explains it all. Not every tire is symmetrical in threads. The thread wears are also depended on your driving style too. Something to keep in also whether you have AWD or not. Best is to do a thread wear check to determine whether it is at all necessary.

 

Don't need to cross rotate. Only cross the rears to the front. Can be done with a jack and 2 jackstands.

1) crack all lugs on all 4 wheels, jack up front driver, jackstand, and remove wheel, lower jack and leave on jackstand
2) jack up rear driver, jackstand for safety, remove wheel and install front driver wheel, remove jackstand and lower jack
3) jack up front passenger, jackstand for safety, remove wheel and install rear driver, remove jackstand and lower jack
4) jack up rear passenger, jackstand for safety, remove wheel and install front passenger, remove jackstand and lower jack
5) return to front driver, jack up, install rear passenger wheel, remove jackstand, lower jack
6) make sure all lugs are torqued to proper specs (re-check torque after 25-50 miles)

Takes about 20 mins. Been doing it myself for years because I don't trust techs and their impact guns.

 

Since I cannot edit yet...the above instructions do not apply to directional tires which would be just swapping the fronts and backs on the same side (as seen in the diagram above)