Changing front tyres only - How will it affect the braking system?

[strike_three]

Hi Guys

I currently have 4 x Michelin Primacy HP on my Mk5, been on there since I bought it. Planning to change the fronts to Michelin PS2 or PS3's in the next couple of days. Just want to know what will happen with the ESP and ABS etc, will it start kicking in because of the slightly different rolling radius between the back and front? I know its 'recommended' to do all 4 tyres at once, but there's still a decent amount of tread left on the back....

I did do a quick search for this but couldn't find any results, any help appreciated, cheers   I'm sure I'm just being a bit over cautious but looking to get an answer from someone who knows.

[stealthwolf]

I think what's better in the Golf is to put the newest tyres on the back and the worn ones on the front.

[Little_Dave]

I only changed the fronts on my GTI shortly after i bought it and it didn't have any adverse effect other than getting less understeer and more grip... only light that came up on the dash was the TPMS one which you simply press and hold the switch down by the ashtray and wait for the bing to reset for the new tires 

[Gene Hunt]

I think what's better in the Golf is to put the newest tyres on the back and the worn ones on the front.

.............correct.

[strike_three]

I think what's better in the Golf is to put the newest tyres on the back and the worn ones on the front.

I have heard this too - what are the reasons?

and Little Dave: thanks mate

[rich83]

Hi Guys

I currently have 4 x Michelin Primacy HP on my Mk5, been on there since I bought it. Planning to change the fronts to Michelin PS2 or PS3's in the next couple of days. Just want to know what will happen with the ESP and ABS etc, will it start kicking in because of the slightly different rolling radius between the back and front? I know its 'recommended' to do all 4 tyres at once, but there's still a decent amount of tread left on the back....

No, ESP and ABS will be fine. You dont need to change all four tyres at once, my car is still on its original Conti SC2 after 29000 miles

I did do a quick search for this but couldn't find any results, any help appreciated, cheers   I'm sure I'm just being a bit over cautious but looking to get an answer from someone who knows.

[Little_Dave]

no prob's strike 

Made me worry when i got a bing after driving for a few minutes cos i thought i had a flat already 

I wasn't aware its better to put older rubber on front and new ones on the rear

[rich83]

no prob's strike 

Made me worry when i got a bing after driving for a few minutes cos i thought i had a flat already 

I wasn't aware its better to put older rubber on front and new ones on the rear

Its because there is less weight over the rear so it benefits from the extra grip from new (but scrubbed in) tyres.

[SMOG]

no prob's strike 

Made me worry when i got a bing after driving for a few minutes cos i thought i had a flat already 

I wasn't aware its better to put older rubber on front and new ones on the rear

Its because there is less weight over the rear so it benefits from the extra grip from new (but scrubbed in) tyres.

I didn't think of that either. I always put newer tyres on the fronts - because they wear out quicker and I don't want a big tread depth difference between the fronts and rears.