on the back or the front? What advice do the specialists offer?

Normally, when worn, all four tires should be replaced at the same time, even if they are not all worn to the same extent. But, to save money, there are drivers who change only two of the tires. Here’s what deck the best tires should be fitted to and what advice the experts offer.

Most cars on the road are front-wheel drive, which means that the set of tires mounted on the front axle will wear out faster.

This is because, in relation to those mounted on the back, they are more demanding both when starting from a standstill and when braking, as well as when cornering. But, does this mean that in the case of these vehicles, when we replace only two of the tires, the new ones must be mounted on the front axle?

Which side do you mount the best tires on: rear or front?

Although many believe that new tires should be mounted on the axle that provides traction, experts recommend the exact opposite.

„New tires should be mounted on the non-traction axle. For example, on a front-wheel drive car, the new tires will fit on the rear. And the most worn ones will be brought to the front. This is a compromise solution, let’s say, to balance the car’s grip. The front axle, due to the weight of the engine and the fact that it generates traction, has greater stability and provides better grip. So, although the tires will be a bit more worn, the car will be ok on the road. But if the used ones remain on the back, the risk of skidding in turns or under sudden braking will increase”, mechanic Robert Marin explained to ProMotor.

So a car will hold its steering better when you put the best tires on the rear axle. And this also applies to rear-wheel drive cars.

„And in the case of these vehicles, the newer or less blunt wheels are also mounted on the rear axle. Because this presents the greatest risk of skidding. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s as simple as it gets. Regardless of whether you have front or rear wheel drive, you mount the new tires on the rear and the used ones on the front axle“, explained the mechanic.

This becomes especially evident in low-grip conditions, such as on wet asphalt or covered with ice or snow.