Final answer:
The new or less worn tires should be installed on the rear axle to prevent oversteer, maintain stability, and ensure safety, regardless of the car's drive configuration.
Step-by-step explanation:
When replacing only 2 worn or damaged tires on your car, it's important to consider vehicle handling and safety. The general rule is to install the new or less worn tires on the rear axle. This advice holds true regardless of whether the car is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.
The reasoning behind this recommendation is that new tires on the rear will help prevent oversteer in wet conditions. If the front tires have less traction than the rear ones, the vehicle is more likely to experience understeer, which is easier to control. Oversteer can lead to fishtailing or a spin-out, which is more dangerous and difficult for most drivers to correct.
Therefore, to ensure your safety and maintain better handling and stability, always put the new or less worn tires on the rear axle. Remember, this is a general recommendation and consulting your vehicle's owner manual or a professional mechanic can be beneficial for specific guidance based on your car's make and model.