ALL new tyres should be fitted to the rear of company cars, not the front as many garages continue to do, the fleet industry has been warned.

Experts ranging from the AA to Michelin and Kwik-Fit have reinforced their view that fitting new tyres to the front of vehicles could prove to be a recipe for disaster.

According to tyre expert Michelin, using new, or the least worn, tyres on the rear is primarily for improved safety.

Steve Dolby, product marketing manager for Michelin, warned that with new tyres on the front and part-worn tyres on the rear, there was a greater chance of oversteer and an increased risk of loss of control.

Also, part-worn tyres are more prone to punctures and deflation of a rear tyre is potentially far more dangerous than deflation of a front tyre, as the driver is more likely to lose control through oversteer (the back stepping out).

It is the same case when it comes to emergency braking. Although some drivers argue that having the deeper tread on the front would help in emergency braking, it also means the limited grip at the back could make the car spin out of control.

Michelin has produced a booklet, called ‘Tyre Care: New Tyres to the Rear’, which is available by phoning 0845 3661535.