"Alfistagj" > wrote in message news:<2ELSc.5405$vH5.5312@amstwist00>...
> "Buzzardous Cross" > schreef in bericht
> om...
> > Hi Guys,
> > Have seen quite a lot of good info 'bout tyres on this group. And a
> > few times it's been mentioned that on FWD cars, it's best to have the
> > better pair of tyres at the rear.
> > Firstly, is that the general opinion of the Alfisti on this group?
>
> From earlier discussions: NO
>
> > Second, anybody got an idea why this is so?
> >
>
> Yes
>
> > Reason I ask:
> > I've always thought the opposite was true i.e. the better pair should
> > go in front cause:
> > a. in daily driving, your need for traction/grip is greatest when you
> > have to slam your brakes in an emergency - and that requires most grip
> > in the front...otherwise you'll have less braking force before your
> > ABS kicks in
> > b. it's harder to correct a front wheel skid than a rear wheel skid =>
> > put the "skid prone" tyres at the back.
> >
> > BC
> > 156 Seles
>
> In principle you are right, but that is also the reason why you are wrong.
> That traction is important for braking as well as accelerating is very true,
> but slips normally don't occur during normal accelerating or braking, but
> when driving at a more or less constant speed in a curve or in aquaplaning
> or when /after you switch lanes etc.
>
> Most important reason is active safety for the "normal"driver and under
> normal circumstances..
> It's not the fact that it's harder or not to correct a front or rear slip,
> but the fact that you will have a lot more time to notice a front slip than
> a back slip.
> Assuming you are driving forward (!), when you get a front slip, the front
> of the car will be in front of you; you can see it coming and have time to
> do things to avoid it.
> The first moment you notice a rear wheel slip is when you see the rear of
> the car in front of you, leaving no more time to correct; you are back front
> all ready.

Thanks. Can't argue with that logic...especially because it serves the
safety interests of the "normal" driver

BC