When my two year old Jazz was serviced in September this year at about 13,500 miles, the front tyres were at about 3.5mm and the rear ones somewhat over 5mm, a differential which I think reflects the torque exerted on the front driving wheels.
Not wanting the front tyres to get much lower, in December I replaced them with Michelin Cross-Climate tyres (cost £193 for the two). I shall keep an eye on the rears but by the time of the next service (and first MOT) in September 2023, with mileage possibly around 20,000 by then, I shall probably have replaced the rears with the same Michelins.
Tyre experts now recommend that you have your 'best' tyres on the rear Although it seems sensible to have your improved winter grip on the front in the winter the experts reason that if the car skids when cornering most drivers find it easier to recover from a front wheel skid than a rear wheel skid. My head tells me its more sensible to worry about getting round corners ,but my heart tends to favour tyres that allow you to get moving at all.
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Ideally have the same tyres all round. (even different brands can make a difference) I'm not entirely convinced by the arguement , and certainly in the 'old days' I always put my 'best' tyres on the front.
On my old Yaris I fitted 4 all season tyres, but because this left me 2 almost new summer tyres I had them fitted to 2 spare rims and used these on the front during the summer. (It also meant I now had a full sized spare) This mixing of tyres is not ideal, but if anything I had more confidence in the grip of the all seasons than the summer tyres so it was close to what experts recommend.ie best grip on rear.
I know it sounds counter productive but in your circumstances the experts may advise putting the summer tyres on the front , even during the winter. The advantage is they will wear out that much sooner, and you can have 4 all season tyres that much sooner. But if I am entirely honest I would probably stay as you are for now.Maybe swop front to rear asap in the spring.
But mixing and matching may not be legal in all countries, especially those where winter rated tyres are legally required.
On my mk 4 I currently have 4 after market wheels fitted with all season tyres. I will refit the original wheels and summer tyres for the summer. Until the summer tyres need replacment But I wont buy new summer tyres. If necessary I will remain on the all season wheels all year round until the car is sold on its original wheels and part worn tyres . This way I have no regrets if I need to replace the tyres on my 'winter' wheels because they can be fitted to my next car. (or sold to recoup some of the initial outlay )
