What tyres

PlasticMac said:
Is the guidance about fitting new (or best two) tyres to the rear based on rear wheel drive transmission? I'll stick with best tyres on the front axle for front wheel drive, traction, braking and steering is more critical than rear wheel tasks (imo). Mac.
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No. All tyre manufacturers* recommend new tyres are fitted to the rear, front or rear wheel drive. I've yet to find an exception though would be happy to read proof of exception. Traction, steering and braking ain't much good if the rear isn't following. :D
 
Has anyone seen an explanation of why:

"All tyre manufacturers recommend new tyres are fitted to the rear, front or rear wheel drive"

I'd very much like to understand the technical reasoning behind it. Mac.
 
PlasticMac said:
Has anyone seen an explanation of why:

"All tyre manufacturers recommend new tyres are fitted to the rear, front or rear wheel drive"

I'd very much like to understand the technical reasoning behind it. Mac.
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It's not too complicated.

Tyres when new are overly stiff, and acquire full working flexibility over the first few weeks / months of their life.

Tyres on the rear wheels (particularly of FWD cars) wear very slowly compared to the tyres at the front.

Left on the back, tyres are likely to fail as a result of ageing rather than wear.

There's nothing new in this. I first bought a pair of new tyres in 1963, and there was a poster from Pirelli in the waiting area which offered that exact advice even then.
 
damadgeruk said:
One of the better explanations I have read, mostly regarding oversteer.

Why should you fit new tyres to the rear? Mobile Tyre Fitting

Mobile tyre fitters providing new tyres for car, van, sports, 4x4, caravan and motorhome. Low prices - all makes and sizes available. Order tyres online
www.hometyre.co.uk www.hometyre.co.uk
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Put simply, all four tyres need to have good grip, end of.

People who don't rotate their tyres rear to front suffer declining rear grip as their tyres age. You can spot them struggling at the first sprinkling of snow.
 
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PlasticMac said:
Is the guidance about fitting new (or best two) tyres to the rear based on rear wheel drive transmission? I'll stick with best tyres on the front axle for front wheel drive, traction, braking and steering is more critical than rear wheel tasks (imo). Mac.
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@PlasticMac

RoSPA-> tyresafe.org -> btmauk.com

If fitting two tyres, it is recommended they be fitted to the rear of the car and ‘match’ with others as possible/feasible. The reason for this is to ensure as stable a handling position as possible particularly on wet roads. If one tyre is rendered unusable e.g. irreparable damage, and it is not possible / feasible to replace the pair, we recommend that a tyre with the same service description and a similar tread pattern as the original tyre be fitted.
As a secondary benefit for the owners of low annual mileage front wheel drive cars, the switching of the partly worn rear tyres to the front, enabling the new tyres to be fitted to the rear, creates a cycle which helps prevent their deterioration due to ageing/prolonged exposure. The rear tyres wear relatively slowly and leaving them in their original positions for a prolonged period can result in the need to replace them before they are significantly worn.
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steve_c said:
Particularly if you are intending to get premium tyres, you should give seious consideration to dropping to a smaller size of wheel first. The 17" sport wheels look superb of course, but they are heavy, uncomfortable and notoriously prone to buckling.

The standard 16" SE six-spoke wheels are very durable, as of course are the 15" pepperpots; both will give a more comfortable ride than what you have now.

I don't have a particularly good source of tyres in Norwich I'm afraid. I've shopped online for two particular tyre types, and then gone with the cheapest local option. Formula One Autocentre on Barn Road have done a decent job of supplying and fitting my tyres, but I've declined any service beyond the basic fitting, and definitely not allowed them to adjust my tracking despite their claim that it was pretty much essential!

JSF 4x4 on Spar Road have the full Hunter system and it's worth booking yourself in there if you need to have your wheels correctly aligned.
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Have you tried KMC in Sweetbriar Industrial Estate? I normally get my Kumho's from there and they've always been excellent!!
 
Angeloj83 said:
Have you tried KMC in Sweetbriar Industrial Estate? I normally get my Kumho's from there and they've always been excellent!!
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I've had them recommended by my garage (Vas Autos - also on Sweetbriar and have done fab work in both my A2s).
I'm going to have to take my FSI there soon as have a slow puncture on one of them. My 1.4 needs all four replaced. 6 tyres! Eek! £££££
 
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