When replacing tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, where should the new tires be placed?

When replacing tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the new tires should be placed on the rear axle. This practice is recommended primarily for safety reasons. New tires typically have better tread depth and grip compared to older tires. When the newer, more capable tires are installed on the rear axle, they provide better traction and stability, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. This helps to prevent loss of control or oversteering, which can happen if the rear tires lose grip while the front tires are older and worn.

Having the new tires at the back also ensures that the vehicle can maintain adequate handling characteristics. On a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the front tires are responsible for steering and power delivery, while the rear tires follow. Ensuring the rear tires have better traction helps the vehicle remain balanced during maneuvers. In contrast, placing new tires on the front could increase the risk of a spin-out if conditions are poor, as the rear would still have the less effective tires.