New tyres: where is it better to fit them, front or rear?

The fitting of new tyres is a never-ending dilemma, as there are many doubts and myths surrounding this topic. Where should new tyres be fitted? Should new tyres be fitted at the front or the rear? These are questions drivers ask when changing their tyres. We clear up your doubts!

At first glance, logic may lead you to decide to fit the tyres on the front axle, since it is usually the one that wears the tyres the most, in order to have more safety. Therefore, it may seem that the rear tyres simply follow the front ones, but we have to tell you that you are mistaken. New tyres should always be fitted on the rear axle.

New tyres always on the rear axle

The fitting of new tyres should be done on the rear axle. This is so for reasons of stability and safety. If only two tyres need changing, it is likely that the front ones are more worn than the rear ones, so a swap should be made. The ones that were on the rear axle are moved to the front, and the new ones go on the rear axle.

This has its advantages, because first of all the rear axle is kept stable. For some drivers, it is easier to control loss of traction on the front axle than on the rear. If the new tyre were fitted at the front, in wet conditions it would drain water better, but the rear axle could cause unexpected reactions and give you a few scares.

Once the new tyres have been fitted on the rear axle, all the wheels should be balanced. However, if it is an all-wheel-drive car, you should take into account the difference in wear between axles, as it may affect the differential.

If worn tyres are left on the rear axle, the risk of oversteer increases significantly, since few drivers know how to apply counter-steering. The same applies to punctures: a puncture at the rear is more dangerous than one at the front. Also, remember that you should not wear the tyres down completely. It is advisable to change all four tyres, but if you can only change two, follow our advice. You will surely be grateful!