Chevy Express Van Man

So I drive a 2019 Chevy Express 3500 Extended Passenger and I have a question about tires. I just replaced two tires and put them both in the rear. I did this because I figured a RWD vehicle I would want the best traction in the rear wear the power comes from especially in the rain. I’ve always previously owned FWD vehicles and I’m a bit new to RWD. Did I do the right thing or should the newer tires go up from for better traction when turning?

mountainmanjoe

You did the right thing for the wrong reason. While acceleration is nice to have, it's less important from a safety perspective. The overriding reason you want traction in rear so that the vehicle doesn't fishtail and go sideways on you in an emergency situation (swerving, etc.) , resulting in loss of control, possibly going into oncoming traffic, etc. In heavy breaking, the downward force on the rear tires decreases a lot. They don't provide a lot of feedback, and often by the time you notice something is wrong, then it's already too late. Especially in a vehicle with a high centre of gravity.
Obviously, having 4 good tires is ideal.

Take it from the people who make/sell the tires. (they might talk about winter, but the principles apply all year around)

• Tirebuyer

"If you have two tires with treadlife remaining, and two that are toast and need replacing, the better tires should be installed on the back of the car – across the rear axle."

https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/...-front-or-back

• Goodyear

"If you prefer to replace tires in pairs, and if they are the same size as the tires already on your vehicle, we recommend you install both new tires on the rear axle."

https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/learn...only-two-tires

• Tiresplus

"your new tires should be installed on the rear of your vehicle."

https://www.tiresplus.com/tires/tire...acement-guide/

• Tirerack

"When tires are replaced in pairs...the new tires should always be installed on the rear axle and the partially worn tires moved to the front."

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=52

Chevy Express Van Man

Greatly appreciate the information!