Where to put the better tires?

[short1]

Pretty straight forward, 2 of my tires look almost new, 2 have a little more than half tread. Where would you put the 2 better ones, front or back? Also which wear faster, front or back?

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[Maniak]

Most tire shops will put the newer ones on the rear and the older ones on the front.

That way you will have less traction up front which means the vehicle may understeer. If you put the less traction tires in the rear it will more likely oversteer, which means the rear slides out.

It is easier to control understeeer than oversteer.

As for which wears more... it depends on the vehicle. Most vehicles, its the front that wears more due to cornering. However, if you have a limited slip rear end (a tight/new one) or a rear locker you will wear the rear faster...

For most people (e.g. my inlaws) I do put the older up front since I don't trust them to be able to handle a car if it oversteers. Now, on our mustang, I'll put them on the rear, that way I can have more fun with it..

~Mark

 

[2000StreetRod]

excellent advice

excellent advice by Maniak

 

[toypaseo]

My g/f's Dad will put the new ones on front, and the old ones on back. Does not matter how much traction you have on the back ones if you can't steer in the right direction, is his theory.

 

[Maniak]

My g/f's Dad will put the new ones on front, and the old ones on back. Does not matter how much traction you have on the back ones if you can't steer in the right direction, is his theory.

But it is much easier to control it when the front doesn't turn (steer) because your low on traction than it is when the rear end of the car steps out (fish tails).

~Mark

 

[short1]

Thanks for the replies, it's my 06 explorer that I was wondering about. I'll be putting the nicer ones on the rear, I'd be fine with a little oversteer but i think it'll be safer for the wife.

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