[Steverino]

I'm not sure how precise it is, but GM is saying one of the benefits of the Ultium platform on which the Chevy Equinox EV is built is a near 50/50 weight distribution.

Ultium enables a near 50/50 weight distribution of the vehicle and a lower center of gravity, which together result in a vehicle that's sporty, responsive and allows for spirited driving.

So: better control, less tippy.

Ultium Battery Powered Electric Vehicles | General Motors

"Weight being evenly spread across all four wheels is the simple definition of 50/50 weight. This can be achieved by designing a vehicle that has a mid-engine design, for example. Spreading the weight more evenly across a vehicle improves driver control: When a vehicle’s weight distribution is even, the car is more planted on the road. All four wheels have the same force coming down on them, improving tire traction."

Weight Distribution in Vehicles: Why Is 50/50 the Goal? - Car Reviews and Tips
Nerd link:
Weight Distribution - Analyzing Your Setup For Faster Lap Times - Circle Track Magazine

 

[dayroge]

My BMW X3 is 50/50…..never had to rotate the tires.

 

[obermd]

My BMW X3 is 50/50…..never had to rotate the tires.

So you let the front tires wear on their edges and the rear along the centers. The reason for tire rotation is that even in a completely evenly weighted vehicle the four tires experience different forces and rubber wearing stresses. Tire rotation is about evening the wear impact of these forces and stresses out.

 

[obermd]

To be honest, I'm not sure a 50/50 weight distribution is a good thing when a vehicle is empty. You don't want a huge difference front to back but you do need to take into account the possibility that the back will be loaded with cargo. This implies that something like 55 front/45 back would be a better empty vehicle weight distribution.

 

[dayroge]

So you let the front tires wear on their edges and the rear along the centers. The reason for tire rotation is that even in a completely evenly weighted vehicle the four tires experience different forces and rubber wearing stresses. Tire rotation is about evening the wear impact of these forces and stresses out.

Actually i have my X3 into BMW yearly for service, it is a 2013 with just under 50,000 miles and on its second set of run flat tires. It did require a 4 wheel alignment with tire replacement. When I inquired about tire rotation they advise it was not necessary. When inspecting the tires no noticeable wear is evident.

 

[Steverino]

Actually i have my X3 into BMW yearly for service, it is a 2013 with just under 50,000 miles and on its second set of run flat tires. It did require a 4 wheel alignment with tire replacement. When I inquired about tire rotation they advise it was not necessary. When inspecting the tires no noticeable wear is evident.

Yikes, a second set of tires at 50K? Is 25k miles normal for the X3? My Volt tires lasted 70k miles with 4/32" tread left when replaced.

 

[dayroge]

Yikes, a second set of tires at 50K? Is 25k miles normal for the X3? My Volt tires lasted 70k miles with 4/32" tread left when replaced.

Actually more like 30-35,000 a set. We are talking run flat tires since no spare. They don’t have the mileage of normal tires. If I replace these I expect I will go with a Michelin all season and carry a flat repair kit like all the rage today with new cars and no spare.

 

[obermd]

Actually more like 30-35,000 a set. We are talking run flat tires since no spare. They don’t have the mileage of normal tires. If I replace these I expect I will go with a Michelin all season and carry a flat repair kit like all the rage today with new cars and no spare.

Now I know why you didn't rotate your tires. The i3 uses bigger tires on the rear than on the front. This is guaranteed to reduce tire life.

 

[dayroge]

Now I know why you didn't rotate your tires. The i3 uses bigger tires on the rear than on the front. This is guaranteed to reduce tire life.

X3, same size front and rear.

 

[obermd]

X3, same size front and rear.

Don't run Michelins. All other run flat tires last at least 60,000 miles. But if the tires are only rated for 30K I'm not sure I'd bother rotating them either.

 

[EVnowornever]

To be honest, I'm not sure a 50/50 weight distribution is a good thing when a vehicle is empty. You don't want a huge difference front to back but you do need to take into account the possibility that the back will be loaded with cargo. This implies that something like 55 front/45 back would be a better empty vehicle weight distribution.

As far as I'm concerned if I have a front wheel drive car I want the majority of car weight over front tires. If your caught in snow (possibly mud) you want good traction with front wheels to pull you forward. Why would GM want to push front wheel drive then tell drivers - gee we have same weight on back tires as front? Makes no sense to me

 

[ef1973]

My BMW X3 is 50/50…..never had to rotate the tires.

Even with 50/50 weight distribution front tires will wear differently than the rears and vise-versa, especially if you push hard on the "go-pedal". YMMV.