Tire situation

[jarviz]

My back tires are pretty worn but I still have some decent tread on the front tires.

I want to replace all four but don't feel like dropping $700-800 for replacing all four tires and doing an alignment.

Is there anything wrong with just moving the front tires to the back and getting brand new tires for the front? Or does anybody know of a decent set of All-season tires for a cheap price.

A bunch of websites says it's better to have newer tires in front, but I prefer to have my back end kick out somewhat rather than experience understeer.

[raul]

The car is RWD so your rears will wear faster. If your tires are non-directional, rotate the front and put the new set in the rear. Rotate side to side every 5k until the rear catches up to the front and then you can rotate normally. If you put the new tires in the front you'll have to buy another 2 tires a lot sooner. If you put them on the rear you'll have to wait longer and then will be able to purchase a full set.

However you mentioned you like the rear end to come out, so putting the new ones in the front will give you that, but you'll have to buy 2 tires more often and will never really buy a full set. Newer tires in the front are safer, especially in the wet. It depends on what you want.

I'm not a tire expert but that's the best I can tell you from my experience.

[frslee]

You live in Queens, NY. Replace all 4 tires.. You can get alignment if you're OCD, but it's not really necessary unless you've hit lots of pot holes and curved wheels.

[355rockit]

Look at getting Hankooks. Great handling tire at a decent price. I used the Hankook ventus v12 in a previous car and it did well on the track. Tires did squeal a bit on highspeed turns on the track but overall did well.

[ayau]

If you can't spend any money, move the good tires to the back. Easier to save a car when the front end loses grip before the back end.

Also check the for sale forum. A lot of people are selling their OEM tires for dirt cheap.

[Chee-Hu]

Originally Posted by ayau

Also check the for sale forum. A lot of people are selling their OEM tires for dirt cheap.

This. And I would like to add to not cheap out when it comes to tires.

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by raul

The car is RWD so your rears will wear faster. If your tires are non-directional, rotate the front and put the new set in the rear. Rotate side to side every 5k until the rear catches up to the front and then you can rotate normally. If you put the new tires in the front you'll have to buy another 2 tires a lot sooner. If you put them on the rear you'll have to wait longer and then will be able to purchase a full set.

However you mentioned you like the rear end to come out, so putting the new ones in the front will give you that, but you'll have to buy 2 tires more often and will never really buy a full set. Newer tires in the front are safer, especially in the wet. It depends on what you want.

I'm not a tire expert but that's the best I can tell you from my experience.

Ah, I didn't think about that logic. that's a good point. Thanks.

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by frslee

You live in Queens, NY. Replace all 4 tires.. You can get alignment if you're OCD, but it's not really necessary unless you've hit lots of pot holes and curved wheels.

I thought alignments were pretty much implied when 4 tires are replaced. I don't plan on driving in the snow though... unless for fun

[jarviz]

why are our OEM tires $200 a piece on tire rack when all i hear are bad reviews about them?

[ayau]

Originally Posted by jarviz

why are our OEM tires $200 a piece on tire rack when all i hear are bad reviews about them?

Because people automatically associate these tires with a Prius and automatically think they're bad.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by jarviz

I thought alignments were pretty much implied when 4 tires are replaced. I don't plan on driving in the snow though... unless for fun

You're probably thinking of tire balancing, which is needed after you mount a tire to a wheel.

[torqdork]

Originally Posted by jarviz

why are our OEM tires $200 a piece on tire rack when all i hear are bad reviews about them?

They're expensive LRR (low rolling resistance) tires built for fuel economy, not grip that most everyone here prioritizes over EPA ratings.

[Razz]

Go to Tire Rack.

Save money.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by frslee

You live in Queens, NY. Replace all 4 tires.. You can get alignment if you're OCD, but it's not really necessary unless you've hit lots of pot holes and curved wheels.

Yep, I agree.

I'd suggest you replace all 4 tires and then rotate the new set every 5,000 or so miles .....

All it takes is one good(bad) slide on a wet road and the cost of the other two tires wouldn't have seemed too expensive.....

humfrz