Posted: 7/15/2002 8:48:52 PM EDT
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I just got 2 new tires for my 4x4 SUV. Now my question is,would it be better to put the tires in the front for better traction using 4WD? Or should I put the tires in the rear for all around better traction? The other two tires I have on the vehicle arent really that worn but ofcourse they dont have as good of tread as the new ones..... Thanks for your time! |
| I would put them on the front, especially if you aren't good about rotating them. The front tires experience much faster wear, due to the extra weight in the front, and, especially, the cornering. "Normal" tires don't provide particularly good traction regardless of the tread. If they don't howl going down the highway, the degree of tread depth matters relatively little. Just having 4WD will get you through most snow. Mud is a whole different deal, and nothing good on the road is very good in mud. |
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Quoted: I would put them on the front, especially if you aren't good about rotating them. The front tires experience much faster wear, due to the extra weight in the front, and, especially, the cornering. Thats why I would put them on the back, so you can wear out your old tires and not your new ones. |
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It depends on the type of 4wd. Some of the newer vehicles with full time 4wd are either primarily front wheel drive, with the rear engaging when slippage is detected, or vice-versa. Find out which type yours is, and put the new tires on the main drive wheels. That's assuming you are replacing the other tires soon. If not, I'd agree witht he advice of wear out your old tires first. From a safety standpoint, if your car is part time 4wd, so you can switch it out and be 2wd, put the new tires on the rear. Most trouble in rear wheel drive cars comes from the rear losing traction and spinning out. |
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I agree with the Beekeeper. The front wheels do 100% of the steering and 70% of the braking, and if front wheel drive (like an Outback) about 90% of the driving in ordinary pavement conditions. If it is a part-time system driving the rear axles in normal conditions, I believe that I would still put the new ones on front for best steering and handling, and to minimize hydroplaning in heavy rain or treadworn pavement. DO consider rotating front to back and back to front, staying on a side, every 5000 to 7000 miles to even out the wear induced by the front axle and steering. I would recommend not switching sides with radial tires, they become accustomed to rotating generally in one direction, and changing rotation may result in belts loosening. This was a big issue back in the late 60s and during the 70s and 80s. My tire dealer says "no problem" to swap side-to-side, but I remind him that he sells tires. The Outback AWD drive system provides about 90% to the front in normal conditions. If wheel slip is sensed, additional torque is shifted to the back axles by the transfer case. My 77 yr old mother's 2000 OB is a wonderful snow car. Noah |