Wheels/Tyres: Which axle for new tyres

[Yet another Mike]

I need to replace the rear pair of tyres on our XC90. The front pair still have abour 5mm but the rear's have come to the end. They are all Nokian NRVi's.

Having looked around various forums I have decided to buy a pair of Vredestein Wintrac 4 Xtremes.

On previous cars I have owned, I would expect to put the new tyres on the front axle and move the current fronts to the rear. But is that the best plan for the XC90? And is it complicated by the fact that we frequently tow a caravan?

I know that there is a view that in an ideal world all four tyres on an XC90 should be replaced at the same time. Unfortunately my world does not have the unlimited funding of the ideal one.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Mike

[chrisnjulie]

AFAIK Mike, the XC90 isn't too fussy which axle you put new tyres on, unlike a Fr**lander.

[wadhurstdaisy]

Mike,

The following are just my thoughts / comments rather than anything that I know.

Did all four tyres get fitted at the same time and have they been rotated at all? The reason I ask is that I would have expected the fronts to wear faster than the rears. The fronts take the bulk of the workload (steering / power / braking) whilst the rears only kick in when required. I note that you tow and whilst this may have an impact I find it surprising that it would buck the norm to such an extent.

How many miles have the tyres done ie assuming unaltered driving pattern in the future how long could you expect the 5mm tyres to last? The reason I ask is that if you put the tyres on the less appropriate axle you could end up having to replace all four at the same time next time, something you have already said you want to avoid.

Normally I would put the better tyres on the front however if I wanted to avoid 'all change scenario' then I'd put the new on the back, kill the front ones off over the next few months then replace the fronts. However, we are approaching winter so personally I'd put my best tyres on the front.

I'd finally add that my personal experience on the XC90 is to replace all four tyres at the same time hence my comment at the top that these are just thoughts rather than just advice. Apologies if you have already considered the factors I mentioned, no intention to teach someone how to suck eggs.

Dave.

[kwanho]

You should always fit new tyres to the rear. This is recommended by michelin.

http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk...314172074.html

I get most of my tyres from costco, whom only sell Michelin.

It is much harder to recover or control the car is your back end lose traction.

[grass hopper]

Originally Posted by kwanho

You should always fit new tyres to the rear. This is recommended by michelin.

http://www.michelin.co.uk/michelinuk...314172074.html

I get most of my tyres from costco, whom only sell Michelin.

It is much harder to recover or control the car is your back end lose traction.

yes Volvo sent out a bulletin to all dealers years ago that new tyres must be fitted to the rear.

[RoyMacDonald]

I'm not suprised at all that the tyres wear more quickly at the back with a lot of towing.

I just put an update on my Vredstien tyre wear which may be of use.

All the best.

Roy