When buying tires, there are many factors that affect price including brand and tread warranty. Typically, the longer the mileage warranty the higher the cost. There are exceptions, as performance tires typically do not include any mileage warranty due to their material composition (they are "soft" to grip the road surface better for handling purposes).
What most consumers do not recognize is that all tire manufacturers have very specific terms and conditions that must be met in order to have a warranty claim honored. While manufacturers will quickly approve a warranty claim, they will only do so if all the proverbial T's are crossed and I's dotted. Mostly, this means they require that a customer document that they have rotated the tires in accordance with the warranty requirements - typically every 5,000 miles. Without written proof (copies of service records) that the tires have been rotated, as required by the terms of the warranty, the claim will be denied.
Complicating this issue is that the best tires should always be placed on the rear axle. Tires with deeper tread will provide better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which is important as a driver approaches hydroplaning situations. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent a possible oversteer condition and loss of vehicle stability*.
Tire rotation is an included service with an oil change at Bisbee Automotive & Tire with no extra charge. Sometimes though we do not rotate the tires because the best tires, with the greater amount of tread, are already on the rear axle. Customers often ask about this, or complain, because they think we have overlooked rotating the tires or are short-changing them. If a customer expresses concerns in this regard, then we will try to educate them as to when tires should, and should not, be rotated. Nevertheless, if they insist that their tires be rotated, even if it goes against our recommendations, then we will of course comply with their instructions.
In any event, if we do not rotate the tires because the best tires are on the rear axle, then we will note it in the service record. Doing so will satisfy the warranty requirements of the tire manufacturers should a warranty claim be made in the future.
* Per U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association