Best tyres: front or back?

[stuartholmes]

So knowing how many people love a tyre question, I thought I'd contribute a new one...

(Well I hope it's new, sorry if it's already covered somewhere!)

So the 'new to us' panel van conversion needs two new tyres. Ideally I'd get four but the fronts are in need whereas the rears have lots & lots of life left.

Currently they are all 'campervan tyres' but I've deduced from other questions that 'cross-season' tyres are going to be best for my needs - the vehicle is in use all year but predominantly in summer & in GB and I want to work away from the campervan types fitted because of the reputation for harder ride.

So while only changing two, would I expect to maximise the benefit of improved ride comfort by putting the new cross-seasons on the front or the back? Or would I not feel the benefit at all until I get all four?

Or do you think I should just get a Citroen DS23 & tow a caravan?

 

[dash300]

I have always had an issue with the new tyres on the rear ruling in as far as the front leading tyres are the primary water dispersers in whose track the rear tyres follow. So the front tyres need the benefit of more tread to disperse water for the rears. In addition if front wheel drive I would prefer the best tread on the driving wheels not the trailing wheels. Am I alone in this view?

 

[Itsmcb]

I always thought the best tyres go on the back to prevent the back end coming around in wet or slippery conditions.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

The rules of thumb for rear wheel drive has to be different to front wheel drive. I'd always want my better gripper tyres on front in the front wheel drive pvc, regardless of any ride comfort issue.

 

[Gromett]

I always put them on the wheels that the old ones are coming off and don't worry about it.

That said. if pushed to choose. I would always go with the driven wheels.
For front wheel drive always on the front as it pulls you forward AND steers.

For rear wheel drive I could make an argument either way. But as we are not talking a performance vehicle I would probably always go front.

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[Gromett]

Had another think about it. Most of the braking is done on the front as well so I would always put best tyres on the front?

 

[Minxy]

We have a FWD Fiat and put the best tyres on the front as they are the drive wheels so need the best grip IMV, if you do get a bit of a rear end squiggle having the better grip tyres on the front will allow you to pull it out of it, if they re on the rear you don't stand a chance.

Also I wouldn't mix tyre types either, either stick to the same as you have already or replace the lot including your spare, I wouldn't used different tyres on the car never mind my MH.

Are you aware that some tyres are directional, such as the Michelin Cross Country ones? It means if you have one as a spare s*ds law will say you'll have a puncture and need it the other way round!

As for cross season (I assume you mean 4 season?), if you don't do any real driving in winter conditions with snow etc than summer tyres should be suitable - that's what we have and we go away over winter and just choose routes that don't require 4 season ones which isn't difficult.

 

[Minxy]

For info, we've just bought a couple of used Michelin Agilis Camping (CP) tyres for £130 delivered from a chap on Ebay, they arrived the other day and have a minimum 6mm tread on them, in really good condition with no damage etc. they will go on the front to replace our existing ones which only have about another 1500 miles left in them, if that. Our rears are still good for a couple of years at least so by the time the front ones get worn down the whole lot will need replacing at the same time ... a bit expensive to do but then we'll be able to change them all for non-Michelin ones, just some good van tyres (10 ply). Of course our spare will hopefully never have had to be used (hasn't so far!) but that might find a home with someone who needs it then.

 

[stuartholmes]

Newest tyres aways on the rear please for safer grip & straightline stopping under heavy braking, especilly in the wet.

https://www.kwik-fit.com/tyres/information/replacing-tyres-in-axle-pairs

A quick google confirms all the major brands (who have findable internet presence) give the same advice. I sympathise with people who feel this is counter-intuitive but there is plenty of evidence and videos online for any sceptics.

 

[stuartholmes]

I have always had an issue with the new tyres on the rear ruling in as far as the front leading tyres are the primary water dispersers in whose track the rear tyres follow. So the front tyres need the benefit of more tread to disperse water for the rears. In addition if front wheel drive I would prefer the best tread on the driving wheels not the trailing wheels. Am I alone in this view?

Sorry, can't agree. See post #9!

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[NicM]

New tyres on the rear, as understeer is easier to deal with than oversteer.

 

[Lenny HB]

All tyre companies recommend the best tyres should be on the rear. Quite a few youtube videos showing the results of having poor tyres on the rear.

You shouldn't mix camping tyres with van tyres on the same vehicle even more important with all season tyres.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Additionally, the new tyres on the back get run in and work hardened ready for a swap to the front. This also means you will only be replacing two tyres at a time, which if you're budgeting makes life a bit easier. P.S. not a saving , just a shorter gap between changing 2 tyres rather than a longer gap then 4 tyres needing changing.
Mike

 

[Lenny HB]

I swap my spare around and then change all 5.

 

[NicM]

Additionally, the new tyres on the back get run in and work hardened ready for a swap to the front. This also means you will only be replacing two tyres at a time, which if you're budgeting makes life a bit easier. P.S. not a saving , just a shorter gap between changing 2 tyres rather than a longer gap then 4 tyres needing changing.
Mike

That only works for rear wheel drive.

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[BouncyBoatFolk]

That only works for rear wheel drive.

Front wheel drive = working axle, they wear tyres faster. When the front's do wear out, transfer the wheel's from the back, trailing idle axle to front as the tyres from the rear axle won't be as worn, keeping them on the same side. New tyres on the rear. The part worn's now on the front will wear quicker than the new tyres on the idle rear axle. When the older now working tyres on the front wear out, move the part worn's on the back forward, repeat,repeat.
But, it's your van and tyres to use how you think most appropriate.
Mike.

 

[chesterfield hooligan]

I've always put new tyre's on the rear to as said work harden if you put new tyre's on the front when the rubber is at it's softest they wear quicker on the edge's new on the rear wear flat normally then when the front wear out the rears go on the front I've always done this probably 20 years doing 100,000 plus per year. The exception is above 3.5 ton lorries as they have rear drive tyre's and front steer tyre's.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

I swap my spare around and then change all 5.

Agreed, otherwise there's the real chance of a clapped out brand new tyre.
Mike.

 

[tonyidle]

A front wheel blowout, although rare, is much easier to deal with than a rear on a van.

 

[stuartholmes]

New tyres on the rear, as understeer is easier to deal with than oversteer.

Especially when oversteer turns into a full on rear-end breakaway spin!!

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[Jev88]

I saw a test on TV many years agao with those super skinny space saver wheels and tyres.

They fitted two to front, then rear, then all four corners and approached a set bend in the road (test track) at increasing speed.

Final result - AL;WAYS PUT BEST TYRES TO REAR IF YOU CANT PUT THEM ALL ROUND.

You can have excellent tyres on the front (regardless of FWD and RWD) but on a corner the rear end will snap away when grip is lost. Best tread on rears prevents this.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Tyre manufacturers/fitters recommend best tyres on the rear, regardless of which axle is doing the actual propulsion.
From Quickfit.

Newest tyres should be fitted to the rear axle​

If only two tyres are being replaced on a vehicle, then the new tyres should be fitted on the rear axle and tyres of similar type and comparable tread depth fitted to the front. Having the newer tyres with more tread on the rear axle will provide better handling, wet grip, and water clearance to avoid oversteer and aquaplaning on wet surfaces. This is the case regardless of whether the vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.


Fitting the newest tyres to the rear of the vehicle will also ensure the vehicle handles in a similar fashion to that which the driver has become familiar with before the tyre change as the optimum grip remains on the tyres at the rear of the vehicle. This rule applies for all tyres regardless of their seasonal use – so whether you’re in the market for Summer, Winter or All Season tyres it is best to fit the new ones to the rear axle.
Mike.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

I'll always remember the answer to a driving examiner's question on my only test in 1981, "What Causes a Skid?" I listed off all sorts of things - too fast, loss of grip, slippery surface, water on the road, ice ... The simple answer "The Driver". In other words the driver was doing something wrong for the conditions.

I've never really driven a rear wheel vehicle, only front. Some of those the power onto the front wheels was too much and easy for the tyres to loose adhesion if your right foot was a bit heavy on either accelerator or brakes. I'm ashamed to say that I have lost control in cars a couple of times (I will really avoid driving if there is snow on the road), but each time it has been the lack of grip on the front that was the problem at which point you have nothing, no steering, no braking.

The trials and recommendations from the tyre manufacturers of best tyres on rear seem to be coming from them pushing everything to it's limits, at least on some of the videos in the linked articles above. No tyre garage I've been to changing the worn tyres has suggested swapping the rear to front and fitting the new to the rear.

Every vehicle that I've driven all the wear has been to the front tyres, and usually the rear deteriorate from age. It's clear to me that for normal driving on a front wheel drive, the front doing the majority of the work needs the better boots.

The current pvc now at 21,000 miles had the front Michelin Aegis Camping tyres down to about 3mm, whilst there was a good 6-7mm on the rear. I've swapped them round so that I have the best tread, and thus grip on the wheels doing most of the work, and in a year or so will then replace the whole set. The added adhesion just from better tread at the front, on wet grass is noticeable.

In my view, and I'll admit I'm no expert (and thus take no responsibility), just a driver of some 40 years, it seems counterintuitive, for normal driving, especially for most of us in motorhomes that normally will be taking it more staidly than a sports car, to have the better tyres on the rear if you have front wheel drive.

 

[pagey]

Do you want to go through the hedge forwards or backwards? Best tyres on the front as a rear end slide is easier to control , if the front end breaks away you will have a good view of what you are going to hit ask any racer

 

[Minxy]

Front wheel drive = working axle, they wear tyres faster. When the front's do wear out, transfer the wheel's from the back, trailing idle axle to front as the tyres from the rear axle won't be as worn, keeping them on the same side. New tyres on the rear. The part worn's now on the front will wear quicker than the new tyres on the idle rear axle. When the older now working tyres on the front wear out, move the part worn's on the back forward, repeat,repeat.
But, it's your van and tyres to use how you think most appropriate.
Mike.

Only works though if you can source matched 'new' replacements ... difficult when they've stopped production and the last load of stock is extortionate!

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[Coolcats]

So knowing how many people love a tyre question, I thought I'd contribute a new one...

(Well I hope it's new, sorry if it's already covered somewhere!)

So the 'new to us' panel van conversion needs two new tyres. Ideally I'd get four but the fronts are in need whereas the rears have lots & lots of life left.

Currently they are all 'campervan tyres' but I've deduced from other questions that 'cross-season' tyres are going to be best for my needs - the vehicle is in use all year but predominantly in summer & in GB and I want to work away from the campervan types fitted because of the reputation for harder ride.

So while only changing two, would I expect to maximise the benefit of improved ride comfort by putting the new cross-seasons on the front or the back? Or would I not feel the benefit at all until I get all four?

Or do you think I should just get a Citroen DS23 & tow a caravan?

Just buy 4

 

[Northernraider]

When I was apprentice many moons ago I was told new tyres go on the driven wheels.


But these days it's not the case apparently.

Should your new tyres be installed in the front or back axle? - Daily Trust

When most people buy new tyres, they tend to install them in the front axle. They give a number of reasons for doing so. Among such reasons are:1. With the engine in the front, new tyres should …

dailytrust.com

But personally I've always put new ones on the driven wheels and I've never aquaplaned once . So why change something that's worked for me the last 33 years.

 

[Figaro]

My dad always told me to put the best tyres on the front and I've always followed that advice.
Seems to be a bit of a divisive issue though

 

[suavecarve]

I'll always remember the answer to a driving examiner's question on my only test in 1981, "What Causes a Skid?" I listed off all sorts of things - too fast, loss of grip, slippery surface, water on the road, ice ... The simple answer "The Driver". In other words the driver was doing something wrong for the conditions.

I've never really driven a rear wheel vehicle, only front. Some of those the power onto the front wheels was too much and easy for the tyres to loose adhesion if your right foot was a bit heavy on either accelerator or brakes. I'm ashamed to say that I have lost control in cars a couple of times (I will really avoid driving if there is snow on the road), but each time it has been the lack of grip on the front that was the problem at which point you have nothing, no steering, no braking.

The trials and recommendations from the tyre manufacturers of best tyres on rear seem to be coming from them pushing everything to it's limits, at least on some of the videos in the linked articles above. No tyre garage I've been to changing the worn tyres has suggested swapping the rear to front and fitting the new to the rear.

Every vehicle that I've driven all the wear has been to the front tyres, and usually the rear deteriorate from age. It's clear to me that for normal driving on a front wheel drive, the front doing the majority of the work needs the better boots.

The current pvc now at 21,000 miles had the front Michelin Aegis Camping tyres down to about 3mm, whilst there was a good 6-7mm on the rear. I've swapped them round so that I have the best tread, and thus grip on the wheels doing most of the work, and in a year or so will then replace the whole set. The added adhesion just from better tread at the front, on wet grass is noticeable.

In my view, and I'll admit I'm no expert (and thus take no responsibility), just a driver of some 40 years, it seems counterintuitive, for normal driving, especially for most of us in motorhomes that normally will be taking it more staidly than a sports car, to have the better tyres on the rear if you have front wheel drive.

Too much speed by the driver on the road conditions
Too much braking by the driver on the road conditions
Too much steering by the driver on the road conditions
Any 2 of the above will sort out skidding.

I would have thought the front as well, for grip in turning and driving, but difficult to disagree with evidence of stuartholmes

 

[tonyidle]

Do you want to go through the hedge forwards or backwards? Best tyres on the front as a rear end slide is easier to control , if the front end breaks away you will have a good view of what you are going to hit ask any racer

Not true. A rear end breakaway can be controlled but requires considerable skill. A front end slide normally only requires lifting off the throttle to regain some grip and is instinctive. All road going cars understeer by design for this reason. For track use serious understeer loses speed in corners and cars intended to be driven fast are modified to reduce it. The ideal is neutral handling where grip is lost at both ends at the same time.