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The Truth About Changing Two Tires at a Time
By: carpartswholesale( 560544Feedback score is 500,000 to 999,999) Top 5000 Reviewer
50 out of 55 people found this guide helpful.
Guide viewed: 3174 times Tags: truth|changing|two tires|tires|tire maintenance

Note: If you're interested in changing tire rims, check out our online store instead.

What People Usually Do

Not everyone can afford to change all four tires at once. So the next best thing is to change two tires on either the front or rear axle. Most people think that the sensible thing is to change the front tires if the auto is a front-wheel drive, the rear if it's a rear-wheel drive.

And with good reason: the tires that transmit the power from the engine to the road are usually the first to wear out. So common sense dictates that this set should be replaced with a brand new pair, right?

The Startling Truth

Automotive enthusiast Paul Tan however, shares a startling reality for front-wheel drive owners: No matter what, when changing only two tires, the replacement set must be placed on the rear axle, and the older pair should be in front. This keeps the most grip on the front, as Mr. Tan explains: "If the front tyres hydroplane, it... can be corrected relatively easier by easing off the throttle."

Compare this with correcting oversteer, where the car "fishtails" when the rear wheels lose grip and skid. This requires the driver steer in the opposite direction of the skid—which is a more a complicated procedure that carries the risk of overcorrection and further loss of control.

Play it Safe!

Of course, experienced drivers are more capable of correcting oversteers, but you wouldn't want to find out how proficient you are when trying to regain control during a rainy night, do you? Play it safe: practice good tire rotation and keep the more worn out tires in front.

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Guide ID: 10000000007254414Guide created: 05/23/08 (updated 11/22/09)

 
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