Statistically speaking, when a car loses a tire, is it better to lose the front or rear?

Question

I know there's a similar question regarding blowouts, however I'm wondering whether the answer would remain the same if your tire completely left your car?

The reason I'm asking is because about a year ago, I got stranded on the side of the road because my wheel wasn't secured to my car right. Evidently the lugnuts, or something else, on that particular tire weren't completely fastened, so the tire started working its way off the axel. Now, I'm not entirely up to par on how to know what's wrong with my car, so I was going to have it looked at when I got home, but before I could even get to my destination, my wheel rolled across 4 lanes of road.

My questions is whether it is statistically safer to lose a front wheel or rear wheel. I'd also like to know, for my own personal amusement, where I can get data regarding how many incidents like this occur and how bad they end up being. That's probably a bit too detailed than will ever be provided, though.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have no earthly idea what the actual statistics are, you may be able to find them at the National Highway Traffic Safety Istitute's website.

As for which to lose, rear for sure, and for a few reasons. One being control. If your back end starts to drag, you can still steer almost as well as you could before to get out of the way. Second, in SUV's and trucks, is momentum. If the back tire drops out, you're dragging something (your own back end) from behind. If a FRONT drops off, due to the shift of weight and increase in friction, you could potentially have a rollover, and that's not good.

Personally, I did lose a front wheel (not tire, whole wheel) at Interstate speeds, but it was in a sports car, so there was less loss of balance since it was already low to the ground. Steering was drastically effected though as I tried to get off the road.

Answer 2

Definitely better to lose the one in the rear trunk first since it is not supporting the vehicle's weight. Otherwise, I'd agree with Frank P and the others that losing a rear tends to be much better than losing a front for reasons of steering control.

I'm reminded of stopping at a gas station in Cincinnati before a bridge to change out of a jacket. I saw a tire slowly rolling past and then on down the street. A minutes later, a car comes by driving on a front disc. The driver asks if I saw a tire go by. I point and he continues on, cutting a long line into the concrete with the disc. It was like seeing a cartoon.

Answer 3

Its usually safer to lose a rear tire than a front due to the front wheels steer the vehicle. If you lose a front wheel you can no longer steer the vehicle, plus when the front brake disc and other parts hit the pavement it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, and in certain conditions cause the vehicle to roll.

Answer 4

It is better to lose the rear tire since you don't steer with either of them. Losing your front tire will cause you to lose control since you won't be able to steer correctly. Whether it is a blow-out or losing the tire, you will lose control. I don't know if there are any statistics on this question but you could always go and ask a mechanic and they will tell you the same thing.

Answer 5

I would say that it would be better to loose a rear wheel because by loosing a front wheel you would have less control.

Try looking at the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration site.