Risks Of Changing The Front Wheels For The Rear Ones

Tire rotation is a highly recommended practice to extend tire life. However, it is important to know how to do it correctly and thus avoid the different risks that can arise when changing the front wheels for the rear ones.

The dangers of swapping the front wheels for the rear ones

This technique of tire rotation is recommended to equalize the wear of the wheels. But is it dangerous to change the front wheels for the rear ones?

If the change is done correctly, it should not pose a danger to the driver and other passengers. However, it is essential to comply with certain basic rules so as not to compromise safety.

Remember that, generally, the wheels that wear out the most are the front wheels. The reason is because the front axle wheels support more weight than the rear ones due to the steering, vehicle traction and engine in most cases, among other reasons.

Tips for optimal wheel rotation

New tires to the rear

One of the main recommendations when rotating the wheels is to place the newer or less worn ones at the rear of the vehicle. With this change, a more homogeneous wear of the four wheels will be achieved, without altering the safety of the people on board.

Regardless of whether the car is rear or front wheel drive, the wheels that are in better condition should be placed at the rear of the vehicle.

With this change a greater stability of the same is ensured; Otherwise, putting the best wheels at the front, the vehicle can become extremely dangerous in situations of rapid braking.

Placing the most worn tires at the rear will make the vehicle more unstable in oversteer, blowout and hydroplaning situations .

On the other hand, by placing the most worn tires at the front, the balance translates into greater safety and stability, especially at times when grip can make a big difference.

Changes according to the type of vehicle

A very important aspect to take into account is the type of vehicle. In this sense, when the car is front-wheel drive, it is best to cross the rear wheels with the front wheels.

The right rear wheel is also often shifted to the left front position and vice versa. On the other hand, the front wheels can be changed crosswise or straight, according to wear.

If the vehicle is all-wheel drive or rear, you can also make a total change of the wheels in the shape of a cross ; also from back to front and vice versa.

In the case of having a spare tire of the same size, it is also possible to include it in the rotation system; There are opposing opinions on this action due to the low wear of this spare wheel compared to the other tires, in addition to the fact that it is probably more crystallized.

Respect the dimensions of each axis

This aspect is essential to guarantee the safety and stability of the vehicle. Respect for the dimensions of each axis applies only and exclusively if the dimensions of each axis are the same size.

If, on the contrary, the car has tires of different dimensions on the rear and front axles, the exchange will only be possible between these.

In the case of axles of different dimensions, it is essential to respect what each one carries. In this sense, both rear wheels can be interchanged with each other and the same applies to the front wheels.

Despite what many people may think, this change with wheels of different sizes can balance the wear that occurs on the internal and external parts of the tread.

Alignment

To extend the useful life of the wheels it is necessary to align them, especially when they have suffered some blows known as ‘curbs’. When the wheels are hitting the curb or when there is a tendency for the car to roll from one side to the other without stability, it will be necessary to align and balance the wheels.

The risks of changing the front wheels for the rear ones will depend largely on the characteristics of the vehicle. If this change is done correctly, it will represent a positive change in terms of vehicle safety.