I’ve heard from my tire guys numerous times over the years and read in replacement tire “owners manuals” that it is best to have the “best” tires on the rear of the vehicle for better wet weather traction (either when replacing 2 worn tires or rotating). I understand that having the less worn tires on the rear will increase rear wet weather traction and reduce fishtailing, BUT my instinct tells me that I’d be much safer if the front tires on my front wheel drive car were the best and I could actually better avoid front end hydroplainging situations and thus maintain better steering control. Moreover, the probabability of blow out or loss of pressure due to puncture is higher in worn tires, and again I would rather have better steering control. I have had rear tires blow out before and I hardly knew difference.
SO what is up with the conventional wisdom?
jr