If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, it’s largely due to two things: the front wheels handle the bulk of the traction, steering, cornering, and braking forces, while also bearing the extra weight of the engine and transmission. 

So naturally, when it’s time to replace those tyres, a lot of drivers instinctively believe that the new ones should go on the front. And I get why; it seems like the logical choice, doesn’t it?  The front wheels do all the hard work, after all, so they should get the best grip, right?

Well, not exactly. There’s actually a safer way to go about this.

Why New Tyres on the Front Might Not Be a Good Idea

The amount of grip your tyre has on the road is closely tied to how well it can clear surface water. The tread grooves on your tyres are there for a reason; they’re designed to channel water away from the tyre, ensuring that it maintains grip, especially when the road is wet. 

When your tyres are worn and the tread is low, they lose the ability to disperse water effectively. This is where things get tricky. Worn tyres, particularly on wet roads, can lead to aquaplaning. You can imagine how dangerous this can be: with less grip, your tyres start to lose contact with the road.

Now, if you’ve got fresh tyres on the front and worn-out ones on the back, the real danger arises. The rear tyres, with less tread, are more likely to lose grip and aquaplane. And when the rear of your car loses traction, it can cause oversteer. Once you start spinning, it’s game over.

Why New Tyres Should Go on the Rear

For maximum safety, it’s actually better to fit your new tyres on the rear of your vehicle. Yes, even if your car is front-wheel drive. Having more tread and grip on the rear axle provides better stability, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. 

Tests within the tyre industry have shown that it’s much easier to manage the front wheels when they lose grip compared to the rear ones. New tyres on the rear help prevent oversteer, giving you a safer, more controlled driving experience. 

Now, what if my front tyres start to aquaplane? If your older front tyres start to lose grip in wet conditions, you’ll likely experience understeer. While understeer isn’t ideal, it’s far less dangerous than oversteer. In an understeer situation, your car tends to keep moving in a straight line, even if you’re trying to steer left or right. But the good news is that this is easier to manage. You can regain control by easing off the accelerator and braking gently. Most drivers will be able to recover without too much trouble.

So Now You Know

So the next time you’re due for a tyre replacement, remember this: new tyres belong on the rear. It might seem counterintuitive, but this simple change can make all the difference when it comes to safety, especially on wet roads.

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