Tyre options

megakid · 1 Feb 2007 at 15:47

The front tyres on my mondeo are getting low and i want to replace them soon. At the moment, all 4 are identical brands and sizes (205/50/R17) - I think they're bridgestones but can't be sure (Will check tonight).

My options are:

Buy 2 new FK452 (I think these resemble the best value for money performance tyre) from mytyres for £125 plus £17 fitting and put them on the front, replacing the two worn ones

OR

Rotate the rears (which have plenty of meat on them) onto the front, and vice versa until they are uniformly worn enough to replace all 4 with the same tyre in 6 months time.

So what is it to be? I dont like the idea of buying two new, different make tyres as I dont really like mixing (even front & rear which isnt so bad compared mixing makes left & right) but does it really make a difference?
This is the first time I've had a car with proper alloys on so Im guessing I wont have a problem swapping the front tyres with the rear ones if I did take that route?

Thanks!

alle · 1 Feb 2007 at 17:28

...If its FWD then make sure there's more grip on the back unless its a negligable difference.

If all four were worn and you were only fitting two they would need to go on the back first.

Different brands on the front to the back ones shouldn't make a great deal of difference. I have Yokos on the back and Nankangs on the front. Doesn't affect anything. Do like to see four tread patterns the same though

paradigm · 1 Feb 2007 at 17:37

alle said:
...If its FWD then make sure there's more grip on the back unless its a negligable difference.

If all four were worn and you were only fitting two they would need to go on the back first.

Different brands on the front to the back ones shouldn't make a great deal of difference. I have Yokos on the back and Nankangs on the front. Doesn't affect anything. Do like to see four tread patterns the same though

Eh, i've always done the opposite. I.E given the driving wheels the majority tread if i'm only changing two tyres.

arcamalpha · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:14

They generally fit new tyres the rear as understeer is generally considered better than oversteer.

GT3 · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:31

arcamalpha said:
understeer is generally considered better than oversteer.

safer maybe...

Doonhamer · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:42

arcamalpha said:
They generally fit new tyres the rear as understeer is generally considered better than oversteer.

its more to do with tyre failure iirc. Stats show your more likely to suffer a fatal injury due to a front tyre failure as opposed to a rear tyre.

alle · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:52

...Grip more than tyre failure worry.

paradigm · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:55

arcamalpha said:
They generally fit new tyres the rear as understeer is generally considered better than oversteer.

I'd take oversteer EVERY time in a FWD car tbh.

alle · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:58

...I don't think so. Especially when you're not expecting or provoking it.

paradigm · 1 Feb 2007 at 18:59

alle said:
...I don't think so. Especially when you're not expecting or provoking it.

I think so. After being a victim of understeer and the drivers inability to correct it. I've ALWAYS been able to rectify an oversteer situation.

alle · 1 Feb 2007 at 19:00

...Yeah everyone thinks they're a rally driver.

paradigm · 1 Feb 2007 at 19:01

alle said:
...Yeah everyone thinks they're a rally driver.

Yeah, sure. And everyone who doesn't thinks that they should use an extortionate amout of full stops for no reason.

Grow up. I said that I (ME, MYSELF, PERSONALLY) would rather have OVERSTEER. Get over it.

Doonhamer · 1 Feb 2007 at 19:17

alle said:
...Grip more than tyre failure worry.

Perhaps but that's the main point I was given during training and often used on customers.

nicRob · 1 Feb 2007 at 19:17

I agree with Paradigm, and also would rather have oversteer then understeer (and yes, I have experienced both, although understeer more then oversteer)

Dandle · 1 Feb 2007 at 20:22

PS2s seem to get as good if not better(sometimes) reviews than F1s the only thing is the 50% extra price tag.

alle · 1 Feb 2007 at 20:29

paradigm said:
Yeah, sure. And everyone who doesn't thinks that they should use an extortionate amout of full stops for no reason.

Grow up. I said that I (ME, MYSELF, PERSONALLY) would rather have OVERSTEER. Get over it.

...Its not going to be when you expect it though.

If you want to stick new tyres on the front when they need to be on the back then go right ahead. You're not going to get oversteer as such you're just going to skid. You are allowed that as you have expressed a preference.
Just try not to hit anyone if the back steps out.

paradigm · 1 Feb 2007 at 20:42

alle said:
...Its not going to be when you expect it though.

If you want to stick new tyres on the front when they need to be on the back then go right ahead. You're not going to get oversteer as such you're just going to skid. You are allowed that as you have expressed a preference.
Just try not to hit anyone if the back steps out.

... I ...won't ...I ...promise... .

megakid · 2 Feb 2007 at 02:15

I've always put new tyres on the front of my cars (all have been FWD) as they do acceleration, steering and the majority of braking (the most important point I think).

So would you guys fit 2 new tyres on just the front OR rotate the tyres around and wait for all 4 to have worn to a similar level and then replace all 4 when that time hits (the added bonus with this being that all tyres on the car will be of the same make at all times)?

megakid · 2 Feb 2007 at 13:23

Hmm OK the situation has changed slightly! I had a quick trot around the car and the rear tyres, although with plenty of meat left on them, are different makes.

3 of the tyres are Conti Contact Sport (both fronts with little tread and the nearside rear) and the offside rear is a Michelin Pilot Primacy.

Now I'm slightly less inclined to put these mixed make rears on the front!