does it matter if i put 2 new tyres on the front , 235 55 19 cross contact

New tyres on back.

Hotly debated ...

https://kumhotyre.co.uk/kumho-news/should-...t-or-rear/

https://www.oponeo.co.uk/blog/better-tyres...st-results

https://www.edentyres.com/should-i-fit-new...t-or-rear/

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic....;t=1568566

But all come to the same conclusion ...

That in general with any car (FWD or RWD) it is safer to put the best tyres on the rear.
The theory being based on the skills and experiences of the average driver (which regarding skidding is very low).
If the front tyres start sliding into understeer then easing off the power (the natural first reaction of most drivers) will often bring the front end back inline. At worst the car just carries on understeering - it doesnt make the skid significantly worse.
If you loose the rear end and start over-steering then it is very easy to make the skid completely uncontrollable by reducing power, by increasing power, by braking, or by applying the wrong steering angle. Basically most drivers cant handle a sudden unexpected rear wheel skid.
So its safer to reduce the chances of a rear wheel skid compared to front wheel skid by placing the grippiest tyres at the rear irrespective of the car being FWD, RWD or permanent 4x4 Jules

I found from my three FL2's that the tyres wore pretty much evenly front to back.

I'd bite the bullet, just the once and change all four at the same time. Saves any chance of unnecessary diff wear too.

My first one is still going strong, on it's second owner, who's carried on on the same basis; it's over 190,000 miles now with no sign of needing to be replaced

My friendly tyre fitter says that as they are predominately front wheel drive them new tyres to the front for grip and drive.

@ rsash All I can say is Ive not yet found a tyre manufacturer offering the same advice as your tyre fitter

Here's advice from Continental
"The tyre industry recommends fitting the new tyres onto the rear axle. "

https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/car/al...xing-tyres

The AA
"whether your car’s front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive the best/newest tyres should be on the back."

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/car-tyres Jules

I’ll make this a simple as possible!!!!!!

If your vehicle DOES NOT have “stability control” then new goes on the back.

If your vehicle HAS “stability control”’ ( as ALL L359 does) it doesn’t matter!

If you have to question this then use your logic. Very few drivers would be able to outsmart the vehicles computer in an oversteer/understeer event!

And to add, about to bring in the unused spare and buy a new Crosscontact....both will go on the front! Rears will always remain on rear axle only to be replaced when worn out.

My background.......Michelin Technical Manager. MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Last edited by Stuartc on 23rd Dec 2019 6:37 am. Edited 1 time in total

rsash wrote:

My friendly tyre fitter says that as they are predominately front wheel drive them new tyres to the front for grip and drive.

It"s like Brexit or a 2nd referendum.

New tyres on the front is my vote.

New tyres on the front, they are doing more work.

From left tyre gets worn & damaged more so than other tyres hitting gutters, gravel etc. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

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With the car being predominantly front wheel drive I thought they get the greatest wear, so putting new on the front means the tread depth difference between front and rear will narrow, but if you put them on the rear then it widens. 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Personally I much prefer losing grip at the rear than the front. Understeer frightens the crap out of me. Just the way I learnt to drive and ride. MY11 SD4 SE Auto

A debate with some academic interest for generic FWD / RWD cars but for any, at least half decent, 4x4 this is all largely academic; don’t mess around, change them all at the same time and start with a fresh and matched set

On our 4wd cars, shouldn't I be rotating tyres (front to back) periodically, keeping wear even and changing in sets of 4? I've only done 3 sets of tyres so far, nearly all motorway miles, but found at Tyre change time they are all equally worn.

Interestingly the FL2 manual says "DO NOT ROTATE THE TYRES" and then says tyres should ideally be replaced in sets of 4.
All rather contradictory.

I personally rotate to front to back and then replace all 4.

The manual makes no recommendation about whether newer tyres should be on the front or rear. Jules