Should New Tires Be Placed on the Front or Rear Wheels?
2 Answers
Replacing tires in pairs ensures consistent wear on both sides of the vehicle, enhancing stability and reducing safety risks. Below are guidelines based on the vehicle's drivetrain and usage conditions to determine installation positions: 1. Front-wheel-drive vehicles: Install new tires on the front. Front-wheel-drive cars require higher traction on the front wheels; insufficient grip can easily lead to accidents. 2. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles: Replace rear tires first. On wet or slippery roads or during sharp turns, rear wheels are prone to skidding or even rolling over. 3. All-wheel-drive vehicles: Replace at least two tires on the same axle. Since all four tires share the driving load and the front wheels handle steering, it's recommended to install new tires on the front. 4. Place potentially hazardous tires or spare tires on the rear wheels.
From my driving experience, I know it's best to put new tires on the rear wheels. The reason is simple: if the rear wheels lack grip, the car is prone to skidding or fishtailing, especially in rainy conditions or during sharp turns, significantly increasing the danger. Once, I put new tires on the front wheels, and while going downhill at high speed, the rear tires, which were heavily worn, caused the car's rear to sway like drifting, almost leading to an accident. After that, I researched and found that prioritizing rear tires ensures better vehicle stability and avoids oversteer issues. Now, whether it's a front-wheel-drive car or an SUV, I always follow this practice: new tires on the rear wheels, and if the old tires are still usable, move them to the front. By the way, I also remind everyone to regularly check tire wear and try to pair the same model when replacing tires—safety first. In short, this habit gives me more peace of mind while driving.
