Michelin - A better way forward

Welcome to Michelin in the UK and Ireland

   
Bandeau
  Print this page
Home > Car-4X4-Van > Tyre advice > Your tyres in everyday use > Fitting your tyres > Why put new or less worn tyres at the rear? > Michelin - Fitting tyres - Why fit new or less worn tyres to the rear?

Your tyres in everyday use :

Michelin offers you advice and guidance so you can make the best use of your tyres, mile after mile...
               
  Your tyres in everyday use     Learn more about the tyre  
           
Image

Why fit new or less worn tyres on the rear?

Whether you have front or rear wheel drive, we recommend that you use newer tyres for the rear set, for extra safety in unforeseen or difficult situations (emergency braking, tight bends etc) particularly on wet surfaces.

 
Numerous tests have shown that it is easier to control the front wheels than those at the rear.

  

Front tyres generally wear quicker than those fitted at the rear, particularly on front wheel drive cars, which are currently in the majority.

New tyres fitted in front :

- The behavior of the car will change, because the front / rear balance will be reversed.
The driver, used to a car with less grip at the front, will therefore be taken unawares.
- On a slippery road, the rear will lose traction before the front of the vehicle.
The driver will have no chance of controlling the rear, and will be tempted to accelerate further, which will amplify the spin effect. Only an experienced driver will be able to recover from this dangerous situation...
 

    New tyres fitted at the back :


    - The handling of the vehicle will be similar to that known by the driver before the tyre change, because the traction balance will be the same.
    - Rear traction will be better, and the driver will be able to control and steer their vehicle without a problem by decelerating and turning the steering wheel in the direction of the bend.

     

 
That's why Michelin advises you to reduce the risks you take by fitting new or less worn tyres at the rear of the vehicle for:
- better grip on bends
- extra safety.

  

 

4x4 Vehicles

 

Michelin strongly recommends that tyres on 4x4 vehicles are used in identical sets of 4, (same size, make, pattern, load index/speed symbol). Except where different sizes front to rear are authorised by the vehicle manufacturer.

The vehicle manufacturer's recommendations should also be followed.