Topic: Where to Put the Newer Pair of Tires?

[airey]

Hi Morty and guys:

I recently found out my dad never rotates his tires, and now the front pair are done while the back is still around 4/32.  Here are my questions:

1) I was wondering if I can keep the rear pair and just buy a new pair for the front one? 

2) Can I put 1 set of directional tire on the front and the other non-directional ones at the back?  Or best to keep all the same?

3) My dad has a rear-drive car, so should I put the newer pair in the front or the back, and why?

Thanks for the input~~ 

[mdxtasy]

Rear drive car.  Put the good tires up front means the car will be tail happy and can spin into an oversteer situation.  Put some good tires out back and switch the old ones up front means the car can push into an understeer situation.

Ideally, a good matching set is preferred. 

[morty]

Current rule is to put the best tires on the rear. You can always control the front with the steering wheel. However, once the rear breaks loos it takes more effort. It is always best to run 4 of a similar type, if not the same type, of tire. If you are only purchasing 2 tires you will want to make sure they are the same speed rating as well.

[HeliDriver]

At only 4/32nds, I'd say the rears are done also.

Those might get you through a dry summer OK, but I'd sure want more tread than that for the snowy/rainy season.

[Craig]

I was about to say - 1/8" is about where I consider replacement.  I don't wait for the wear bars, it's not worth it.

[stragf]

They dealt with this same issue on TSN Driving on Saturday. Apparently, the newer tires always go on the rear. As Morty said, if you loose the tail of the car, you're hooped. I always thought on FWD the "best" went on the front.  Geez, 52 yrs. old and still learning