I've had cars that wore faster on the front, and also cars that wore faster on the rear. The tire shop that took off my summer tires didn't mark them. The tires, Ecopia, are not directional so that's not a factor. There's not that much wear-they have maybe 6500 miles on them. So, should I put the 'good' ones on the front or the rear? Thanks.
^ That's a no-no. Fronts would possibly have more overall wear, and rears might have somewhat eccentric wear, more on the inside edges (due to camber). Rear tires in my experience always have more gravel trapped in the tread. Is it just tires swapped, or wheels as well? Right side rims tend to have more curb rash.
AWD car probably the fronts because of additional steering forces on the tire FWD car the fronts for sure since they handle steering and propulsion forces RWD car probably the rears due to propulsion forces ( I know, no Prius) Front and rear tires usually wear differently, a big reason why we rotate is to even out the wear patterns. This all assumes the alignment is in spec of course.. KH
General recommendation is good tires on the rear. A back end breaking loose is more likely to lead to complete loss of control no matter how good the front tires are. That said, your level of wear likely means it doesn't matter where you put the tires in this case.
kh111 has given you a complete answer and the reason why.... As for an AWD car; if it's FWD bias, the front will wear faster. Part-time AWD systems will only engage when it senses slip. Full-time AWD; also the front wheels since most of the weight, stopping power, traction, and acceleration is there.
blah blah blah This is a Gen5 forum. The car is an LE. I'm asking for specific experience, not generalized bs. Thank you for you interest.
Put them on the front where you need more traction Get a wax pen and mark your own wheels, better than second guessing what the gorillas did or didn't do. I also recommend a tire pressure gauge and a torque wrench to re-check your lug nuts when you get home.