When tire life goes the way it is supposed to, your tires wear out all at the same time, after providing you with an optimal service life. When this happens, replacing tires is pretty straightforward – you buy a new set. Unfortunately tire life, like life in general, does not always go according to plan. Nails, broken glass, and other types of road debris can mean an untimely demise for just one tire.
Even though it is best and safest to replace all four tires at once, it may not be an affordable option, or the other tires may be relatively new and in good condition. In these situations, replacing tires in pairs might make more sense.
When replacing tires, people sometimes mistakenly think that the two newest tires should be mounted in the front of the vehicle. Actually, the opposite is true. The newest tires should always go in the rear of the vehicle, even if it is a front wheel drive vehicle. The reason the two new tires go in the back is because the driving stability that allows you to control your steering and braking is provided by the rear tires.
Putting the tires with the best tread in the back will help you maintain better control on wet roads and avoid the dangers of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when tires cannot properly channel water through tread patterns and lose contact with the road. As front tires hydroplane, the vehicle tends to under steer and remain straight. But when rear tire hydroplaning happens, the vehicle tends to over steer, or spin. Under steering can be can be controlled by releasing the gas pedal and slowing down. In the case of over steering, it is a lot harder to regain control of the vehicle.
Aside from the hazards of road debris, the best way to extend the life of your tires and promote even tread wear it to stay on schedule with regular tire rotation and alignment checks. It is also important always keep tires properly inflated.
If you need help with finding new tires, we are here to help! Raben Tire has the best selection of tires from the industry’s leading tire brands. Stop in or contact us today!