The answer to “Which Tires Wear Faster” is usually whichever wheels are the driven wheels of the vehicle. This will depend on which of the 3 different types of drivetrain layout your vehicle has; Front, Rear or Four-wheel drive.
There are a lot of factors that go into how long your tires will last. Driving habits, the type of car you have, and even the vehicle’s weight distribution can all play a role in how fast your tires wear down. But one of the most commonly asked questions is: which tires wear faster, the front or back?
In this article, we will explore some of the research that has been conducted on this topic and try to provide an answer.
Different types of drivetrain layout
All vehicles are made with one of 3 possible drivetrain layouts. This determines which wheels on your vehicle are provided power from the engine.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Power is sent to the front wheels only. The front tires do most of the work and wear down faster as a result.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Power is sent to the rear wheels only. The rear tires do most of the work and wear down faster as a result.
- Four-Wheel Drive (FWD): Power is sent to all four wheels. The front and rear tires share the work and wear down at approximately the same rate.
So which tires wear down faster?
The answer to “Which tires wear faster?” is usually whichever wheels are the driven wheels of the vehicle. This will depend on which of the three different types of drivetrain layout your vehicle has.
As you can see from the different types of drivetrain layout, it really depends on your vehicle and how it is designed.
If you have a front-wheel-drive car, then your front tires will do most of the work and will wear down faster. If you have a rear-wheel-drive car, then your rear tires will do most of the work and will wear down faster. And if you have a four-wheel-drive car, then all four of your tires will share the work and will wear down at approximately the same rate.
The most common type of drivetrain is front-wheel drive, meaning that the most likely tires to be worn down on the average vehicle, is the front wheels.
Of course, there are a lot of other factors that can affect how long your tires will last. Driving habits, the type of car you have, and even the vehicle’s weight distribution can all play a role in how fast your tires wear down.
This means that even four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles may have their tires wear down at different rates if you drive inefficiently.
Reasons why front tires wear down faster
There are a few reasons why front tires might wear down faster than rear tires. One reason is that the front wheels steer the vehicle and therefore have to do more work than the rear wheels. Steering the car causes wear to the shoulders and sides of the tire, which will not be experienced by the rear tires.
The front tires also have to bear the majority of the vehicles weight when braking. This is because under breaking the weight of the vehicle moves towards the front and rests largely on the front tires.
For this reason, you should leave a sufficient gap to the car in front so that you are able to break slowly and avoid harsh and sudden stops as this will wear the front tires down even faster.
Another reason is that most cars are not evenly balanced. The engine is usually located in the front of the car, which means that the front end is much heavier than the rear end. This imbalance and extra weight on the front tires will cause them to wear down faster.
Reasons why rear tires wear down faster
There are also a few reasons why rear tires might wear down faster than front tires, particularly if your vehicle is rear wheel drive.
One reason is that rear-wheel-drive cars tend to have more power than front-wheel-drive cars. This is because rear wheel drive vehicles are more expensive to manufacture than front wheel drive vehicles.
This means that only premium and high end performance vehicles are designed to be rear wheel drive. The extra power from these vehicles can cause the rear tires to lose traction and wheel spin more, which wears them down faster.
The engine layout can also impact how premium and high end cars might wear their rear tires faster is if the engine is located in the middle or the rear of the car. This is common in supercars brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
Another reason is that rear tires might wear faster is that when accelerating, the inertia of moves the majority of the weight of the vehicle to the back tires. This movement of weight resting all on the back tires can cause them to wear down faster.
To prevent this, avoid harsh acceleration and try to maintain a steady speed.
How to maximise your tread wear
Rotating your tires
One way to help even out the tire wear on your vehicle is to rotate your tires on a regular basis. This means that you’ll move the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front, which will help them all wear down at approximately the same rate.
Tire rotations are usually recommended every five thousand miles or with your yearly service, but you should consult your owner’s manual to be sure.
Driving smoothly
Another way to help your tires last longer is to try and drive smoothly. This means avoiding sudden acceleration or braking, as well as driving over speed bumps and potholes slowly. All of these things can put unnecessary stress on your tires and cause them to wear down faster.
Have your wheels aligned
If your wheels are out of alignment, it can cause your tires to wear unevenly. This is because the tread will be contacting the ground at an angle instead of straight on. This can be easily fixed by taking your car to a garage and having the wheels aligned.
You should have your alignment checked at least once a year, or more often if you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly.
Inflating your tires properly
Making sure that your tires are properly inflated is also important. Over inflated tires can cause them to wear down in the middle, while under inflated tires can cause the sides and shoulders to wear down. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month to make sure that they’re inflated properly.
Avoid harsh surfaces
Finally, try to avoid driving on harsh surfaces whenever possible. This means things like gravel roads, off-road trails, and even winter roads that are covered in snow and ice. These surfaces can be tough on your tires and cause them to wear down faster.
Know when it is time to replace your tires
Even if you take all of these preventative measures, eventually your tires will reach the end of their lifespan. It’s important to know when it is time to replace your tires so that you can keep yourself and your vehicle safe. This includes if your tires have been wearing unevenly and are no longer suitable to drive on.
It may feel like a waste of money, especially if there is some tread till left on the tire. However, it is not worth the risk if the tires are unevenly worn beyond repair. There are a few signs that you should look for that will indicate it is time to get new tires.
First, if you notice that your tread depth is getting low you may need to buy new tires. You can do the penny or quarter test to check this. If you insert a penny into your tire tread and Lincoln’s head is not visible, then your tread depth is fine. If his head is visible, then your tires need to be replaced.
Second, if you notice that your tires are starting to show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or bulges. This is a sign that the tire’s structure has been compromised and it is not safe to drive on.
Finally, if you notice that your vehicle is not handling the way it used to. If you feel like your car is slipping or sliding more than usual, this could be a sign that your tires need to be replaced.
If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not your tires need to be replaced, it’s always best to consult with a professional. They will be able to take a look at your tires and give you an expert opinion on whether or not they need to be replaced.
Always remember to replace your tires with the matching tires. It is not advisable to drive with a mismatched set of tires. This is because it can cause your vehicle to handle poorly and unevenly, which can be dangerous.
If you’re looking to replace your tires, then click this link for the best price on GoodYear Tires.
FAQ
Which tires last the longest?
If you are looking to buy tires that last as long as possible, we would recommend looking at All-Season tires or tires that have been made with a harder tire compound.
Can I replace my tires myself?
While you can change your tires yourself without too much trouble, mounting a tire yourself is a very tricky job and we would recommend letting your local tire shop do that for you.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know more about which tires wear faster, front or back, and how to prevent it, you can be sure that your tires will last as long as possible. By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your tires and keep them looking good for longer.
So, whether you have a front-wheel-drive car or a four-wheel-drive truck, be sure to keep an eye on your tire wear and rotate them regularly. Doing so will help you get the most out of your tires and keep them lasting for years to come.
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will read and respond to every comment, email or question. Thanks for reading!