Getting new tyres? Put them on the back

roosterman71

Here's something I didn't know - when you buy new tyres you should put them on the rear wheels. Apparently its more important that more rubber is on the back than front. See here and here

martydunf

Didnt know that either!
Always thought it was new tyres to the front!
Ya learn something new everyday eh?;)

Zube

roosterman71 wrote: »

Here's something I didn't know - when you buy new tyres you should put them on the rear wheels.

What, all four of them?

ji

Ya put the new ones on the back only if your car is rwd..

Alun

ji wrote: »

Ya put the new ones on the back only if your car is rwd..

Wrong. It makes no difference .. new tyres to the back regardless of whether it's RWD or FWD. Did you read the articles in the links at all?

mickdw

I dont agree. Deeper threads best on the tyres coming into first contact with the water as you drive.
From my own experience, I much prefer to have tyres which can get through the water at the front and the more worn rears following through the partially dispersed water. The fronts are doing all the braking and turning and if I can get the front of the car into a bend, I am generally happy. Maybe I just like it that way. I guess if you like the car to slide wide at the front (understeer) near the limit, fit the new tyres at the back.
Its all down to the driver really. how do ya like the car to handle?

Anan1

mickdw wrote: »

I dont agree. Deeper threads best on the tyres coming into first contact with the water as you drive.
From my own experience, I much prefer to have tyres which can get through the water at the front and the rears following through the partially dispersed water. The fronts are doing all the braking and turning and if I can get the front of the car into a bend, I am generally happy. Maybe I just like it that way. I guess if you like the car to slide wide at the front (understeer) near the limit, fit the new tyres at the back

I have to say i'm thinking the same thing. Also, under heavy braking most of the weight will be on the front tyres - the more tread they have in the wet, the better.

Zascar

Better tyres on the back will lessen the chance of oversteer should you have to swerve etc. I'd still put mine on the front.

ji

Alun wrote: »

Wrong. It makes no difference .. new tyres to the back regardless of whether it's RWD or FWD. Did you read the articles in the links at all?

I worked fitting tyres for 12 years and never fitted the new tyres on the back unless it was a full set...

Am i wrong ,,so my bad...

Dont belive everything you read boss..

I rather have the new one on the front(fwd) for braking/ traction thats common sence ffs...

Cosmo K

ji wrote: »

I worked fitting tyres for 12 years and never fitted the new tyres on the back unless it was a full set...

Am i wrong ,,so my bad...

Dont belive everything you read boss..

I rather have the new one on the front(fwd) for braking/ traction thats common sence ffs...

So, you know more about tyres then the guys from Michelin?

colm_mcm

Any run of the mill FWD cars I've driven would understeer in bad conditions. better tyres on the front would help this and help avoid emergency situations.

I suppose it depends how bad the other tyres are. I put new ones on the front anyway and will continue to do so

ji

Cosmo K wrote: »

So, you know more about tyres then the guys from Michelin?

No i didnt say that!

Just was always told new tyres on drive axel..

Michlen tyres are ****e anyway:p

Alun

ji wrote: »

I worked fitting tyres for 12 years and never fitted the new tyres on the back unless it was a full set...

Am i wrong ,,so my bad...

Dont belive everything you read boss..

I rather have the new one on the front(fwd) for braking/ traction thats common sence ffs...

Ironically, there was a thread on here a good while back, also from a tyre fitter with years in the game, who actually first pointed this out. This thread ... http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054975379 post #8.

And no, I don't believe everything I read, but I'll place more credence on the opinions of a well respected tyre manufacturer like Michelin (actually Goodyear say the same) than some random person on an internet forum.

ji

The tyre business is a back stabbing industry its all about the money..

Front tyres wear faster than the back so if you dont move your old tyres back you'll be back to the tyre centre faster than if you did thus more money for the greddy tyre company (if that makes since)

Cosmo K

ji wrote: »

The tyre business is a back stabbing industry its all about the money..

Which business isn't about money?:rolleyes:

ji

Cosmo K wrote: »

Which business isn't about money?:rolleyes:

All of them i suppose but the tyre companys seem worse for some reason..

mickdw

I think in the end it comes down to car manufacturers & tyre manufacturers believing that a mindly understeering car is better than a mildly oversteering car, as for beginner drivers, understeer is considered easier to control. That though doesnt mean it is the best setup for everyone and I wouldnt dream of running my car set up like that as I would be getting lots of front end break away just when grip is needed most.

crosstownk

I've heard both sides of the front/rear argument. Here's one.........
http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk/en/car-4x4-van/less-worn-tyres-rear/20070314172074.html

EDIT : Sorry - just noticed that it's the same link the OP referred to

timmywex

It may enhance straight lune braking but the better grip will be better for steering espicially!

I would put em on the front regardless, front tires wear faster, more weight under braking and better control hitting water and when steering!