Should the newest tyres on a car be fitted to the rear wheels?
I remember you saying that the newest tyres on a car should be fitted to the rear wheels. Recently, in monsoon rain, my rear tyres lost grip on a corner at 30mph and the back of the car tried to overtake the front. I had a lucky escape, with just lots of grass and mud along the nearside of the car. The tread depth on one rear tyre was 3mm, the other was 5.5mm. Despite its remaining tread being almost twice the legal minimum, I have replaced the more worn tyre. A lesson learned.
Asked on 8 November 2012 by IA, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Many thanks. This is a useful response to those readers who simply don't believe and don't follow the Tyre Safety Council advice. Actually, in those conditions, I was astounded at the behaviour of my Fiat 500 on half-worn 185/55 R15 82H Michelin Energy Savers. They seemed to cut right through and displace the surface water, making the car feel more stable than it does in the dry.
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wheels and tyres
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