Is it safe to place 2 new car tires at the back of the car?

Question

I just changed 2 tires for my car. I didn't change all 4 because the old ones were fairly new. They said that it was safe to place the new tires at the back of the car (it's a 2 wheel drive) and placed the old tires to the front. The new tires are different brands than the original ones. Is that safe?

Answer 1

By the time I finish typing this you will get a lot of answers saying they should be on the front.

All of those people are WRONG.

It is the official recommendation of the Rubber Manufacturers Association, the Tire Industry Association and all of the major tire manufacturers that when only 2 tires are being replaced the new tires be installed on the REAR AXLE.

In fact, Michelin Tire just lost a $34-million liability lawsuit because one of their stores put 2 new tires on the front axle, the car lost control and spun turning one of the passengers into a quadraplegic. And the reason for putting the tires with the best traction on the rear axle is just that - to prevent a sudden loss of traction at the rear of the car which inevitably results in a violent and uncontrollable spin. The Michelin Tire web site has a 2.5 minute video demonstrating why.

http://www.michelinman.com/tire-care/tire-saving-tips/replacement-questions/

So if they were installed on the rear you were dealing with true professionals who knew what they were doing and yes, that is the safest place to have them.

Answer 2

Sure it's safe, as long as the tires are in pairs, it shouldn't make any difference if is front or rear drive as far as safety is concerned. Most people will prefer the new tires be on the driving wheels, for the sake of good traction.

(pssst) look at the only answer without the thumbs down, tell you something?

Answer 3

I usually put the new tyres on the rear for the first 300 miles to wear the shine off then change them to the front. The last time I put new to the front when replacing only two tyres I had problems with hard braking and ended up hitting a bank.

Answer 4

its ok most people will say keep the fronts in best condition but on a front wheel drive its acccutally the backs that wear most as when you corner its the back that gets dragged around the corner so unless you are wheel spinning every where you go dont worry. just make sure you always have a matching pair on both left and right.

Answer 5

Can't dispute Dodgeman's word . Follow his advice . On the other hand, if you are doing interstate driving at reasonably high speeds your front tires had better be in good shape for a front tire blow out could cause one to lose control of the car and end up in serious trouble.

Answer 6

What a bunch of crackpots. 'Cept one. NEW ON REAR is always best if tread depth difference is more than 3/32". The problem with traction and vehicle control is minimized with an understeer condition.

Answer 7

Yes, you should be fine. If it was a front wheel drive car, then you`d put the new tires on front.

Answer 8

if your car is front wheel drive i would put the new tires on the front and the old ones on the rear

Answer 9

Ok... now I need help too, I did the same thing, and the car feels good...

But DodgeMan seems to be saying I'd need to switch them to the front... (FW, estate)... They have better spikes, and it feels easier to control the car when I know the back won't be sliding from under me.

I've been doing it wrong for 13 years....jeesh.

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EDIT.

I feel vindicated, thanks Mark!

Answer 10

the new ones should be on the back if rear drive and on the front if front wheel drive to get the best traction