rear tyres outer edge wear

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

I was once advised that, regardless of the transmission system, the better treaded tyres should always be fitted at the back as loss of lateral grip can cause the car to spin out of control in extreme manoeuvres. I really don't know if that is true but I tend to follow the advice.

Yes, 'grippiest' tyres on the rear to prevent unexpected over-steer. Fronts usually wear out quicker so when replacement becomes necessary the rears should be moved to the front and the new pair fitted to the rear.

This is the advice of motoring associations, tyre manufacturers and retailers (Costco insist upon it). However this advice is somewhat counter-intuitive as most car owners will focus on steering and traction (most cars being FWD) and so this subject usually leads to arguments!.

[stimperley]

Yeah, I tend to think of that as the legal advice that lawyers insist that big corporations give out in order to cover themselves against as much risk as possible, no matter how unlikely it is to occur. I'm sure we have all had plenty of occasions in everyday driving when we have needed good front end grip to stop suddenly or get round an unexpectedly tight corner but how often have you been in danger of losing the rear in front engined, fwd cars unless you were deliberately trying? OK, you might be unlucky enough to be caught up in a situation which spins the car but its never happened to me, whereas I rely on being able to stop safely everyday. So if I can only afford a pair of tyres the new ones always go on the front and part worn on the back where they usually wear much more slowly. The exception might be in a powerful RWD car.

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by stimperley

Yeah, I tend to think of that as the legal advice that lawyers insist that big corporations give out in order to cover themselves against as much risk as possible, no matter how unlikely it is to occur. I'm sure we have all had plenty of occasions in everyday driving when we have needed good front end grip to stop suddenly or get round an unexpectedly tight corner but how often have you been in danger of losing the rear in front engined, fwd cars unless you were deliberately trying? OK, you might be unlucky enough to be caught up in a situation which spins the car but its never happened to me, whereas I rely on being able to stop safely everyday. So if I can only afford a pair of tyres the new ones always go on the front and part worn on the back where they usually wear much more slowly. The exception might be in a powerful RWD car.

I knew there'd be disagreement!

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Zedster

I have always gone to great lengths to get wheel alignment done at reliable garages because many don't have a clue and never get their equipment calibrated. I used to travel 55 miles to get my Mini aligned at Lohen. These days I use Jacksons Ford at Henley in Arden https://www.jacksonsford.co.uk/service/wheel-alignment/ (not quite as far). The manager there is an ex Motor Industry Research Association chassis engineer, he took over his Dads business when he retired. They prepare many of Fords race cars and Z4 enthusiast travel from all around the country to go there. They even load the car and shake the suspension on a 4 post shaker prior to alignment to settle it (far better than the garages that jack a car up after changing the tyres, then try to to do wheel alignment with shocks that haven't settled back into normal running position).

They are of the view that once tyres wear badly uneven, it will throw out the suspension alignment and lead to errors in the adjustment. So for best results the wheel alignment should be done immediately after the badly worn wheels are replaced.

How on earth can it do that? It's not true .