What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Should I fit new tyres to the front or rear of my girlfriend's car?

My partner's car requires two new tyres (the ones to be replaced are on the rear). As it is front wheel drive, the garage recommends putting the new tyres on the front - I would prefer them to go on the rear because (I believe rightly or wrongly) the rear tyres give you most grip to the road, especially in the rain and front tyres are more prone to rimming, so putting the best tyres there would appear to be a false economy. The front tyres are more likely to suffer damage from imperfections on the road. I do not normally question my garage's recommendations (and it is good hearted banter) but I would be interested to know your views.

Asked on 4 June 2010 by abcdef25

Answered by Honest John
This is now standard Tyre Safety Council advice for better stability when braking in the wet.
Similar questions
My Kia e-Niro has Michellin Primacy 3 tyres which perform poorly in the wet (they also have just over 2mm tread). My other petrol cars all have all-season tyres which are phenomenal, but the cars all weigh...
What is the difference between Audi quattro and BMW xDrive? Which performs better in bad weather situations and which has a more dynamic drive?
My Toyota Auris has done 21,000 miles. The front tyres are at 2mm and the rears at 4mm. Should the new tyres go on the front or the back?