Well, we have had our vRS just over 3 weeks and my wife is loving it. I am also loving the 48mpg she got out of it on the first tank. :yes:

Anyway, it currently has four budget tyres fitted, Primewell PZ-900s. The fronts have only 3mm tread left and the rears have about 6mm. I have just ordered two new Michelin Pilot Sport 3s to replace the two tyres that are 3mm. We were hoping to do all four at the same time but having just bought the car we are going to have to wait a month or so before we replace the other two.

Now, my wife does have a slightly heavier than normal right foot, so I am wondering whether it is better to have the new PS3s fitted on the front or the rear during the interim whilst we have mismatched tyres. I would normally think front on a high power (well, torque ) front wheel drive car but I am wondering whether the rear may have a tendency to step out if I leave the budgets on the rear. If the budgets were on the front I guess the car would tend to understeer if anything which is arguably safer.

Any thoughts folks?

Edited 14 February, 201214 yr by WayneH

Conventional wisdom used to be best tyres on the front however the rear end stepping out is arguably harder to counter so the advice is now put your best rubber on the rear from a safety perspective. Having ridden and driven cars/bikes with lot more power than a VRS going through a lot smaller contact area i'd be more inclined to put them on the front and diplomatically try and educate the other half on road craft and moderating her driving style, points don't equal prizes after all or at least not in a good way

burn the cheap ones out first, new tyres on back always for me! get them worn in properley before they go on the front and also iv always been told FWD best grip on rear RWD best grip on front

Randall.

New ones on back. Controllable understeer easier to deal with than snap oversteer if the backs lose traction.

Funnily, garages etc tend to suggest putting them on the front/or whichever are the driven wheels, while tyre manufacturers and motoring organisations (AA etc) recommend them to be always put on the rear. I have this argument all the time with my garage. Every time they have my car I tell them "Don't change my wheels around!".

Always, always on the front!

Funny, I normally have to tell the spanner monkey's not to touch my rear wheels when they're changing my front tyres!

Having sold and changed more tyres than I care to remember, it must run into several thousands, new ones always on the front, but as other members have stated the latest thoughts seem to be to put them on the rear.

I still opt to put them on the front as a front tyre blow-out at speed isn't at all funny.

Always on the back, unless the older tyres are very worn. Much safer and tyre companies recommend it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5YsQ_a_ijA

Rear. Understeer is safer then oversteer. Theirs a 5th gear video on YouTube that shows the difference.

Plus you'll wear the fronts quicker so replace sooner equals matching tyres all round

I don't take a word that woman says seriously.

Thanks all. I'm sold, the new rubber is going to go on the rear

seems in the video she tries alot harder to make the rear end step out, she didnt turn the wheel so sharply the first time. although seems the majority think its better on the rear.

You could say that turning more sharply could influence understeer not oversteer