If I can only afford two new tires at the moment for my SUV, should they go on the front or rear?

Question

I was thinking that rear drive, 4X4 SUV would benefit better if the new tires were put on the rear instead of the front. I can only afford two at the moment and I need new tires badly.... my right front tires is bald and the thread is showing.

I have some wear left on my rear, was thinking of putting the rear on the front, and putting the new tires on the rear.

Dodge Durango 4x4

Answer 1

If only buying 2 tires, the new tires always go on the back axel (with the best remaining 2 if possible going on the front axel(s)). With the new tires going on the front, sure you get more traction when handling, but you can still usually stear if you lose traction. If the rear of the vehicle (despite being fwd, rwd, 4wd, awd) loses traction and starts sliding, then there is nothing you can do, for the most. If the new tires are on the rear, the rear of the vehicle will not slide out as easly, and this will aid in over all better traction.

In all the trade schools, when learning about alignments, tires and suspention, this comes up all the time, this was a highly debated question, and every time (even trying it with a demo computer) worked out with the new tires on the rear giving the best overall preformance. In one of the debates, we had to find proof from a reliable source, on what is better. This is one of the many research projects that proved the same thing, New tires go on the rear, I had this saved on my computer (see link below)

Answer 2

Depending on a few factors, here is what I would do..... Purchase the new tires, replace the worst two on the vehicle regardless of the location and have the better of the older tires rotated to the front if you still need traction for snow or live in an area that is starting to see more rain. Shop around for tire dealers, as you may be able to find one that will offer a fair price on purchasing all 4 at one time. I'm sure you already know, the right front needs to be addressed immediately. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

yes if you are not going to use the 4x4 than go with the rear tires for now until later you can afford a new two front tires.

Answer 4

Replace the worst ones 1st! Especially the bald one that is showing "thread". Rotate the remaining so they are on either both front or both rear locations. Traction is important, but so is being able to steer!

Answer 5

Rotate the tire every two years. The steer tires are the most improtant. Put the best two on the rear.

Answer 6

I recomend you purchase all 4 tires, because of the fact once you purchase new tires they continually stability the recent tires and the old ones on your motor vehicle might have positioned on on the exterior of the tire and additionally you will sense a shimmy on the guidance wheel while using over 40 mph its extra powerful to purchase all 4 so which you get even positioned on and determine you get a alingment once you purchase new tires.

Answer 7

You always want your best tires on the front. If the ones already on the front are in better shape than the back have them moved to the back.

Also, once a tire has spent most of its life going in one direction, if you move it to the opposite side where its going the opposite direction, it will eventually throw the tread (blow out) and beat up the side of your car.

Answer 8

Front

Front

Front

The front is your steering and control medium, the rear is just following along behind, in four-wheel drive you will not gain good traction with bald tyres, but still the more you have on the front wheels the better.

I know it can be hard sometimes, but please, please, get all of your tyres up to spec as soon as possible, they are all that keep you, your family and friends, and all the other people that you may encounter on your journeys alive.

Good luck

Answer 9

You always want to put new tires on the front of the vehicle because if you where to have a blow out, and it was on the front, you would more than likely lose control of the vehicle because it would be hard to steer. If the blow out was on the back tire, you could still control the vehicle.

Answer 10

Put the two least worn "old" tyres on the rear and the two new ones on the front