Tire maintenance is one of the most basic things you can do to keep your vehicle safe and dependable.  Until recently, when you buy new tires we’ve put the new tires in the FRONT of the vehicle to keep the better traction with the steering wheels and the weight of the engine, and to extend the life of the older tires.  However, new information is making us change our policy.  Research has shown that having the better treads on the BACK of the vehicle gives better stability in wet driving conditions, so from now on we’ll be putting the new treads on the back unless you request otherwise.  This month’s Shop Talk will bring you some of the research and our new Tire Replacement Policy.

Here are the facts and research behind our decision

This first link is to a video by Michelin that gives the best explanation of the research.  It compares two cars side-by-side on a controlled track with wet pavement, and you can really see the effect of the heavier tread in back.  Here are other links to sources we respect, but they all tell the same story…

Tire Rack.com- “Where to install new pairs of tires”

CarTalk.com- “Why should two new tires always go in the back?”

HondaTech.com- “Rotate your tires- Put best tread in back!”

Consumer Reports- “Help keep your vehicle’s tires safe”

SaferCar.gov- “Tire Rotation”

YahooAnswers- “Where to put my two new tires to prevent hydroplaning?”

TireRack.com- “Where to Install New Pairs of Tires?“

… and here is our new

Tom Dwyer Automotive Services Tire Replacement and Rotation Policy

• Tires will be sold in sets of four when practical.
• New tires sold in pairs must be mounted in the back without informed consumer over-ride.
• Tires can only be rotated when differential wear is less than 3/32” and the remaining wear on the worst tire is 5/32” or greater.  Tires with less than 5/32” can never be moved to the front of a vehicle.
• The policy is primarily for the installation of new pairs of tires. We will continue to try to extend the tire life of our client’s vehicles thru consistent rotation just as before with the exceptions listed above.
• The new safety guide lines, while promoting safety, will consume tires unable to be rotated at an accelerated rate. Please buy tires in sets of four and take care of them to insure long life and safety.
• If you do want your tires mounted in a different pattern, you will be asked to sign a statement saying that you “…understand the safety implications and accept all liability to myself and others for requesting my tires to be rotated.”