I use diagram 'G' when I do mine... or when I have someone else like Discount Tire do mine.

I never understood NOT doing a 5 tire rotation. Unless you're one of these guys that gets new tires every 3 months and doesn't bother with spares...

You spend more on a set of 5, but if you rotate them often they'll last you that much longer. The benefit is that if you completely destroy one tire, you still have a matched set of four. If you have 1/2 of the tread left and destroy one when only rotating 4, now you're adding a new tire to your mix. I don't think this is ideal for 4x4 systems personally.

Also, it makes it super easy to do rotations.

It protects and keeps it from drying out & cracking.

Actually, 99% of tire shines do the exact opposite. They promote dry rot and cracking.

Just sayin';)

Let's be clear here - Your preference is a opinion and not factual because there can be different scenarios regarding the wear and or rotation schedule of ones tires. But basically, if one has a flat, the spare can be used until the flat is fixed. If one destroys the tire (as you suggested), you'll need a new tire. Let's say the RF was destroyed, your new tire and unused spare will then be a matched set on the front. So to be clear, the argument goes both ways. Don't forget, the auto industry for years only supplied "donuts" for spares because there is no factual benefits to a 5 tire rotation.

Actually, 99% of tire shines do the exact opposite. They promote dry rot and cracking.

Just sayin';)

I can see how in some cases it would be nice to have the spare match a new tire (assuming it actually matched. Years down the road that could be tricky, consider NASCAR crews trying to get consecutive serial numbers when they pick their tires).

5 tires rotated every 3-5k should last 5/4 as long as 4 tires rotated every 3-5k. Seems pretty straightforward to me. The cost would be a wash with buying 4 tires every time and leaving the original spare on there forever. There is some small benefit from having a matching spare though, in case of destruction. I think there is also some benefit in having 4 matching pairs in 4X4.

The biggest benefit: not selling one brand new tire down the road for little to no $. You see that happen alot.

As for the auto industry thinking donut's are better....they are CHEAPER. I'm not suggesting people throw their donuts away and go buy a 5th full size tire. All I'm saying is that if you already have one it makes sense to get your use out of it and extend the life of the other 4 by 20%.

Lastly: using 5 makes rotating them at home much easier and therefore more likely to be done often (and free). I'll take the $10 every 3 months, my carefully handled lugnuts and studs, & consistant rotation pattern. Over 4-5 years of owning the tires I'll have at least $150 in savings over going to a shop.