DIY: tire rotate, and what to check!
Decided to rotate my tires today, since it is a balmy 68 F
I didn't see a in-depth thread on how to do it, and what to look at while doing it.
Pop the fake wheel covers off, I used a flat blade screw driver, use something better, the plastic is very soft and dents easily...
I found that just ahead of the door handle is a very good balance point for a rotate only
DO NOT DO AS I DO, DO AS I SAY!!!!
USE jack stands to keep the car SAFE to work on
The wheel are held on with 21mm (13/16) nuts, I was very surprised at this, with how small the rest of the car is.
I believe the torque on them is 80 ft.lbs? I don't have a torque wrench, so I go 1/4 turn past hand tight with the ratchet. Once the car is back on the ground gie each nut an extra 1/16-1/8 turn to make sure they're tight enough.
Now, getting to what to check, I tried my best to make these pictures look decent, and be helpful to those who are learning about cars. the terminology is from my Class A CDL training/pre-trip, your welcome haha
Here are my front (Left side) and rear (Right) tires after 13,350 miles this is my 1st rotation. the front are wearing much faster, but are 100% power/steering.
While the wheels are off check them for any nails, messed up tread, uneven tread, bumps, cuts, abrasions, etc etc.
The rear axle is much simpler, just make sure everything is present, and bolted down.
And there you have it. bolt the wheels back on the car, make sure they are tightened to Mitsubishi specs, and you won't have any issue!
Double check all 16 lug nuts again before driving!
2018 mirage ES manual
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View my fuel log 2018 Mirage Es 1.2 manual: 41.6 mpg (US) ... 17.7 km/L ... 5.7 L/100 km ... 50.0 mpg (Imp)