Gasaraki
Active Member
I get your thinking I don't think it works that way. In a FWD car the back wheels are just getting dragged. If only your back wheels start hydroplaning, it might start fishtailing a little but the front wheels are still pulling the car forward so it won't "roller steer".I had a guy go into the barrier on the highway in front of me in a heavy rainstorm once, and he said he had just done this, with this same logic.
Like mentioned earlier in the thread, tread is about water resistance, not dry performance (race cars run slicks), and handling a car hydroplaning in the front is way easier than in the rear. The same is true if you really think you have more grip from your "better" tires. Last thing you want is the back stepping out.
Admittedly, in a modern car like a Tesla with incredible stability control, this becomes a lot less important.
Putting newer tires in the front lower your chances of hydroplaning the front tires. (the tires driving the car forward and providing most of the braking power)