Michelin tyre mixing

[Nuclear Nick]

The tyre industry states that:

"New tyres should always be fitted to the rear axle if only two new tyres are fitted.


I really can't see the logic to putting new tyres on the rear unless you have a rear wheel drive car.

On a front wheel drive car it surely makes sense to have your best tyres on the front or does steering, power and braking not matter.

Porsche also recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm.

most drivers are better able to cope with loss of grip at the front rather than the rear.

Spot on Peter, this is the reason for fitting new tyres to the rear preferentially. Of course slightly trickier with different sizes front and rear but it's important to remember that the Macan has pretty wide tyres, especially on the rear, and is therefore more prone to aquaplaning.

[On-Track]

Spot on Peter, this is the reason for fitting new tyres to the rear preferentially. Of course slightly trickier with different sizes front and rear but it's important to remember that the Macan has pretty wide tyres, especially on the rear, and is therefore more prone to aquaplaning.

I had rear wheel aquaplaning on my GTS earlier this year when tread depth on the Pirelli P Zeros was 3.8mm. The car's traction control caught it before I had time to react but it was one of the reasons I changed all four tyres at the four year service. So far, the Michelin Latitude Sport 3s are noticably quieter than the Pirellis but the greater tread depth may well be a partial cause of lower noise generation. I'm still in the "bedding in" stage so no idea as to whether the grip and/or handling are different.

[Woodhouse]

‘That’s why it’s always recommended to change the front pair at the same time with the same tyre model, and likewise, replace the two rear tyres in the same way to maximise safety and fuel economy.’

Tyre industry recommends buying more tyres more often. Shock horror. Or am I just overly cynical???

[Nuclear Nick]

‘That’s why it’s always recommended to change the front pair at the same time with the same tyre model, and likewise, replace the two rear tyres in the same way to maximise safety and fuel economy.’

Tyre industry recommends buying more tyres more often. Shock horror. Or am I just overly cynical???

Yes you are. If you think about it a little, there is no component on a car more important to your safety than the tyres. Where safety is concerned a responsible industry will give advice bearing in mind not everyone understands how tyres work. Some will take heed, others with a little knowledge and dangerous cynicism will not. I don’t think anyone is suggesting that it’s always necessary to replace all four tyres when replacing one or two due to wear or damage.

[Vix]

‘That’s why it’s always recommended to change the front pair at the same time with the same tyre model, and likewise, replace the two rear tyres in the same way to maximise safety and fuel economy.’

Tyre industry recommends buying more tyres more often. Shock horror. Or am I just overly cynical???

Yes you are. If you think about it a little, there is no component on a car more important to your safety than the tyres. Where safety is concerned a responsible industry will give advice bearing in mind not everyone understands how tyres work. Some will take heed, others with a little knowledge and dangerous cynicism will not. I don’t think anyone is suggesting that it’s always necessary to replace all four tyres when replacing one or two due to wear or damage.

Unless the damaged one was brand new, I'd always replace the pair. False economy otherwise for the reason you've given.