I dont usually swap them around, i usually replace the fronts, which then go to the backs and the rear tyres to the front. Then there is a constant rotation of tyres, rather than, as you say, leaving them to perish.

Its always better to have a full set, i agree, it doesnt always work out that way for me though. More often that not i have to replace tyres for punctures (seem to get more than my fair share!) so replacing a pair of good tyres when i have a puncture is enough, and usually at too short notice to get the brands i have.

Ive never found a problem with the E3As either, seem a good tyre to me.

Tyre pressure has a big influence on how the tyres perform though, so maybe why some of us like them and some dont?

Hi Citroenmad

The recommendation for the XM is the other way round. New pair on the rear, rears to the front.

John

Sorry, i didnt explain that very well, i ment i replace the old front tyres, which i then put on the back and put the old rear ones to the front

However, my Xm has done 22K miles in the last 6 years with us, so its not exactly eating its way through tyres

Hi Citroenmad

New Pair of tyres on the REAR, part worn Rear pair onto the front.

Edit note:- Sorry, should have read twice and not written at all.

John

Yup, thats what i do, by "replace old front tyres and fit to the back" i mean i put the new tyres on the back and olds up front. I should have said it like that first

Although all of its 4 tyres are pretty new now, so it doesnt matter too much at the moment

Ive had the back go a few times with the Xm, can be unnerving if your not ready for it.

My tyre fitter does tyres at good prices, can get any make i want as long as i give him enough warning and usually does puncture repairs for free. Although they always jack cars up in the wrong place and dont care where they put the new tyres.

So i ALWAYS, take my wheels off and just take the wheels down, then refit them myself, where i want them fitted. No damage to ths sills and my new tyres are on the back, where they should be,

I keep forgetting to register with Costco, i believe they only deal in Michelins? Superb

....."rear end flying out unexpectedly is not a good thing even for experienced drivers"

Nor is going straight on in a corner!

We've had this discussion before, my preference is for the wheels that have to both drive and steer to have the better tyres. I believe the reason why Citroen recommend fitting new tyres on the rear wheels is so they can "cure" slowly on the lightly loaded wheels; but once that has happened, say 1500 miles, stick em on the front.

Derek

Understeer is much easier to control than oversteer. Ease off and your sorted, but with oversteer you will need to correct it, which can be iffy if the driver has little experience, is cought unaware or in lots of traffic.

I cant say ive had much understeer with the XM, it does seem to have good front end grip.

One thing i would say, i did have the better make tyres on the front (Vredesteins) and the cheaper brand on the back (Lassa, supposidly made by Bridgestone?) although they all have the same tread depth the Lassa is a rubbish tyre. Leaving the front with lots of grip and the back wanting for more grip.

So with the Lassas on the front the handling is much more neutral. Both ends grip similar now, if anything the front pushes slightly wide before the back goes. Which is how it shoud be, gives you warning your on the cars limit.

I do!

A 2.0 auto is hardly that last word in performance, but then i dont really push it around too much.

This is stating the obvious, but the only advantage that new tyres have is greater tread depth. Tread is of no use on a dry road, its only purpose is to shift water from the contact patch. So when we discuss where to put new tyres we are catering for wet conditions. Resistance to aquaplaning is very much a function of tread depth.

A front end breakaway in the wet is a very different beast from simple understeer

When I go to my local tyre emporium just where should I tell the 16 year old lad to put his giant trolley jack? I'd like to avoid another crushed jacking point!!!

Steve.

Underneath the front suspension mounts is the safest place. I use a short length of angle iron between the jack and jacking point to spread the weight.