The Great Debate - Best Tires on the Front or Rear of vehicle?
Most vehicles are equipped with the same size tire at every wheel position. Ideally all of these tires should also be of the same type and design, have the same tread depth and be inflated to the pressures specified by the vehicle placard or owner's manual.
On front-wheel-drive vehicles the front tires are responsible for transmitting acceleration, steering and most of the braking, so it is normal for front tires to wear faster than rear tires. Even on rear wheel drive cars the front tires wear quicker than the rear. If tires are not rotated on a regular basis you will wear out a pair of tires instead of the full set. In other words, the rear tires will have about 1/2 of the original tread depth when the front tires are completely worn out.
All tire manufacturers recommend a rotate and balance every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. Since the tires on the front are wearing faster you are moving the best tires to the front of the car which goes against arguments for mounting two new tires on the rear.
- Front tires wear faster
- Rotate & balance every 6,000-8,000 miles
- Tires with most tread on front so all 4 tires will wear evenly
- Purchase tires in sets of 4
- If needed purchase 2 tires to match type and design of tires on car
If you are in the rare occurrence that only one tire is needed, get the exact same tire to match what you already have. You might put the new tire and best tire on front. If you cannot get exact same tire put new tire on rear.
Many tests have been done concerning best tires on front or rear. Our opinion is if a car is hydroplaning usually all 4 tires loose traction. With the best tires on the front you have a better chance of steering the vehicle to safety. Even with the best tires on the rear they are going to follow the front tires in the direction you are steering. If the front tires have no traction it does not matter if the rear tires are new or not.
There are different views of where to mount 2 new tires. We believe on the front is best. If you disagree we will put the tires where you feel most comfortable. |
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Remember: Alan Cox Automotive is not an Emission Inspection station. However, we can make any necessary repairs in order for your vehicle to pass emissions. |
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