2 new tires....mount on front or rear? (vehicle, traction, braking)

[the4pits]

I have been in the tire industry for 15 yrs ,and have had extensive training with the worlds leading manufacturer on this topic. I was interested to know what you guys input is on this?

[Rakin]

Sounds like you'll know best but I was taught to put the best 2 on the front and the next best on the rear. I would speculate the best on the front due to steering and stopping needs.

[JoshB]

I was always told new tires on the front. Front tires tend to wear more.

[Deez Nuttz]

Unless you're the burnout king

[Drover]

Originally Posted by JoshB

I was always told new tires on the front. Front tires tend to wear more.

They do if you have FWD or a car that is nominally AWD but applies almost all the torque to the front wheels. Otherwise, that's not the case. Even so, many suggest putting the best tires on the rear regardless of driveline configuration.

[JoshB]

I see, makes sense Drover.

[the4pits]

This had been a highly debated topic for several years now. Several years ago,I was a store mgr at a local tire dealer, and as common sense told us you always put the 2 new tires on the front because they wore faster, and the majority of the braking and vehicle weight transfer was to the front end. About 8 yrs ago, I went to work for a worldwide retailer(who shall remain nameless) and have received extensive training on the topic. I have been to training facilities all over the country, and have had test track experience in just about every scenario. So what is it?

When mounting less than 4 tires on any vehicle(with the exception of AWD-4), MOUNT THE NEW TIRES ON THE REAR AXLE!

When this information first came out around 8 years ago, people(including myself) argued the old logic and thought it was an attempt to sell more tires. After driving identical vehicles, with new/worn tires mounted in both postions, it is a HUGE difference in wet traction/hydroplaning. In dry conditions, there is not a noticable difference to most. But in wet conditions, in several different types of vehicles, the ones with the new tires on the rear always remained more stable. It is amazing the difference it makes. Instead of wearing out my keyboard, here are some examples:

How to Buy: Tire Care & Buying Guide: Michelin Tires
bottom of page/watch video

Goodyear Tires | Support | FAQs | Technical Information

Tire Tech Information - Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?

New Front Tires on Back Wheels - Free Car Mechanic Advice - Popular Mechanics

And so on...
This not only applies to new tire replacement, but also to tire rotations. Most tire manufacturers recommend to not rotate tires front to rear if there is more than 2/32nds diff in tread depth, only rotate side to side until tires are at a matching tread depth(replaced).

So, what do you guys think?

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by the4pits

I have been in the tire industry for 15 yrs ,and have had extensive training with the worlds leading manufacturer on this topic. I was interested to know what you guys input is on this?

OK, I knew this had to be a loaded question. Never ask a question you don't know the answer too.

Thanks for the advice.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by the4pits

But in wet conditions, in several different types of vehicles, the ones with the new tires on the rear always remained more stable. It is amazing the difference it makes. Instead of wearing out my keyboard, here are some examples:

How to Buy: Tire Care & Buying Guide: Michelin Tires
bottom of page/watch video

OK, I learned 2 things from watching this video:

1) Wet-surface pimpdrifting in a BMW 3-series looks like a hoot;

2) When planning to flee law enforcement at a high rate of speed, make sure to mount new tires on the rear, not the front!

[Habsburg]

Wouldn't you just put your tires on the powered wheels?