OK to fit new tyre only one axle?

**Jazzman** · 21st March 2016, 12:19 PM

After reading this thread, I really think this is being over thought.

Assuming your are replacing the tires on one axle with the same size tire on the other axle e.g 255/65/R16. Don't stress about it just do it, especially if you are buying the same brand tire.

There is a good argument for putting the best tires on the front. If that means moving the current front tires to the back then putting news ones on the front so be it.

**d2dave** · 24th March 2016, 09:29 PM

Changing tyres on one axle only, provided they are the same size, will not harm the centre diff.

Such a small difference between front and rear would have the spider gears turning ever so slow it would not matter.

**Tinggu** · 4th June 2016, 09:04 AM

As a follow up I put four new tyres on. Had a 4 for 3 deal not to be sneezed at. The Khumos were quite disgraceful when removed: big patches in the centre of the tread soft and delaminated, like big flat spongey bubbles.

The spare is now the best of the front Khumos as the spare on the car was 12 years old.

Thanks, people, for the advice.

**speleomike** · 23rd August 2018, 12:25 PM

Hi

Originally Posted by Jazzman

There is a good argument for putting the best tires on the front. If that means moving the current front tires to the back then putting news ones on the front so be it.

I have just had my D4 put in for two new tyres on the rear (Pirelli Scorpion ATRs). The fronts were still OK. They moved the front ones to the rear and put the new ones on the front. My thinking is that would mean that in the wet under breaking the rear will aquaplane first as the rear ones have less tread depth now.

Did the garage do the right thing by putting the newer ones on the front or is this issue one that is subject so many conflicting opinions?

Mike

**pop058** · 23rd August 2018, 12:40 PM

Yep, as a general rule, new to the front.

**speleomike** · 23rd August 2018, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by pop058

Yep, as a general rule, new to the front.

Thanks :-) A Google search bought up conflicting opinions. Sometimes the opinions didn't indicate if they were referring to FWD, RWD or 4x4.

Mike

**V8Ian** · 24th August 2018, 06:36 AM

Be aware that tyre sizes are nominal and actual sizes can vary significantly between different brands or construction.

**Jazzman** · 24th August 2018, 12:12 PM

My personal opinion is they made the right decision. The front is where you need maximum control, you always need the best grip tyres on the front. If you loose traction on the front you loose steering and braking traction. If you loose traction on the rear you only loose drive traction (normally, even in a all wheel drive car as there is not a 50%-50% bias, especially once traction is lost). The front of the car is what does the majority of the braking, so the example of aquaplaning only the rear is not likely.

I hope that makes sense.

Originally Posted by speleomike

Hi

I have just had my D4 put in for two new tyres on the rear (Pirelli Scorpion ATRs). The fronts were still OK. They moved the front ones to the rear and put the new ones on the front. My thinking is that would mean that in the wet under breaking the rear will aquaplane first as the rear ones have less tread depth now.

Did the garage do the right thing by putting the newer ones on the front or is this issue one that is subject so many conflicting opinions?

Mike

Thread: OK to fit new tyre only one axle?

Thread Tools

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions