Is moving the rear tires to the front wheels a no-no?

Question

After finding out that my front wheels were both aiming a little bit outward (together by half a degree), and apparently thus having caused the wear on the inside (inch or so) of the front tires, I had a thought.

However, before I could even utter my thought, the alignment specialist (who re-aligned the front wheels, and who works for a tire-seller) already strongly stated that moving the rear tires to the front was not an option. Drivability would be horrendously affected. (He also mentioned that moving the front tires to the rear wheels doesn't pose an issue.)

Although I trust his sincerity on the matter and I can follow the argument he provided, I still have my doubts whether the effect is significant.

So, is moving the rear tires to the front really a no-no?

The tires are 215/45WR17, the car is front-wheel driven and suffers from understeer. (That last bit of information may be driver-dependent. I don't know.) The tires are directional.

Final piece of information: What I had in mind was switching the wheels+tires, not only the tires.

Answer 1

I'm living in a country where we need proper winter tires during that season so I have to switch between tires sets twice a year. Each switch I rotate the tires (rotation depends if the tires are direction or not) and mark the position on the one I remove for the next season to make sure to rotate them.

Tire rotation is recommended (by Transport Canada and USA DOT) and I don't see an issue with that. The problem you facing is that your front tire "running band" (the part that touch the ground) may be worn and might need replacement and/or can affect drivability.

EDIT: Here some rotation patterns from the MoutainViewTire.com site:

Answer 2

As long as tread depth is above minimum rear to front swap is not generally an issue (obviously the best condition tyres should be up front).If you have power steering and turn wheels while stationary you will enhance tyre wear