Should Newly Replaced Tires Be Placed on the Front or Rear Wheels?
2 Answers
Whether newly replaced tires should be placed on the front or rear wheels depends on the vehicle. The placement of new tires is determined by the vehicle's drive characteristics and usage environment. Placing new tires on the front wheels is recommended because the front wheels are responsible for steering. New tires can reduce the risk of blowouts, providing greater safety, and their better grip enhances braking performance. On the other hand, placing new tires on the rear wheels is also an option because rear-wheel grip is crucial. If the rear wheels lose traction during cornering, it can lead to dangerous loss of control. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, it is generally best to replace the front tires. The layout of front-wheel-drive vehicles places the engine, transmission, and many other components at the front, causing the vehicle's center of gravity to be more forward. Additionally, the front wheels bear greater driving forces, meaning they endure more load.
Regarding the placement of new tires, after driving for over a decade, I generally recommend installing them on the rear wheels. This is especially crucial during rainy or slippery conditions, as rear-wheel skidding can be particularly dangerous and may cause the vehicle to fishtail or lose control. I've seen many car owners who, for the sake of convenience, simply replace the front tires, only to find that the rear tires, severely worn over time, cause the car to feel unstable while driving. Insufficient rear-wheel grip is the root cause of many accidents. Installing new tires on the rear wheels provides stronger stability and enhances overall safety. Additionally, regular tire rotation is essential. I make it a habit to check tire wear every 5,000 kilometers and rotate the less worn tires to the rear to ensure even wear. Remember, driving habits have a significant impact. Rapid acceleration or hard braking accelerates tire wear, so I always remind my friends to develop smooth driving habits to avoid unnecessary risks.
