Quote Originally Posted by niky View Post
You always put the new tires on the rear. Always.

-

If the old tires that you're not replacing are so old that they might "explode", then you don't want them on the car *at all*.

If the old tires don't have enough tread to evacuate water (4/32"), then you don't want them on the rear. Hydroplaning front tires are absolutely no problem. The car continues in a straight line until you pass the puddle. At which point you gain back steering and continue on your way.

Hydroplaning rear tires are a right pain in the ass... and if your hands aren't quick, the car is sideways before you blink. (I've been lucky when that's happened to me... my hands are quicker than my brain).

-

The ONLY time you leave the old tires on the rear is if they still have more than half-tread left. If they're anywhere close to 4/32 (slightly taller than the writing on the margin of a 5-peso coin), put them in front.

-

If you don't like doing it that way... rotate your tires often, so you won't have to replace your front tires too soon.
How about for cargo trucks? Should the new tires be placed in front or at the rear?

I always put the new tires in front for our cargo trucks. I am thinking that there are more tires at the back, 4 or 8, than the front (2 only).