To Mix Tires, Or Not To Mix Tires? That Is The Question.

When it’s time to replace the tires on your vehicle many questions arise. Should I buy four or two tires? Can I mix brands? What type of tire should I choose? We know these are complicated waters to navigate so we wanted to help by providing a few guidelines. Of course it’s always smart to reference your owner’s manual and/or consult Advance Treads.

Can I Mix Tires?

As a universal rule, tires should not be mixed on any vehicle unless specified as acceptable by the tire or vehicle manufacturer. Drivers should avoid mixing tires with different tread patterns, internal constructions or sizes (unless front and rear staggered sizes are specified by the vehicle manufacturer), and use identical tires on all of their vehicle’s wheel positions in order to maintain the best control and stability. Additionally, drivers should never mix winter tires with all-season/summer tires, or mix run-flat tires with non-run-flat tires.

In an ideal situation, all four tires wear out evenly and at the same time. When this happens, it confirms that the vehicle design, driving conditions and maintenance practices worked in unison to equalize tire wear and performance. It allows the driver to choose a set of replacements that will either maintain the Original Equipment tires’ capabilities, or help tune the vehicle’s qualities to even better suit their needs.

Should I Replace All Four Tires or Two?

Unfortunately wearing out all tires at the same time isn’t always possible. Sometimes vehicle design, the use of differently sized tires on front and rear axles, insufficient maintenance, and/or driving conditions conspire to prevent it from happening.

If a vehicle’s tires don’t all wear out at the same time, drivers are typically forced to either purchase an individual tire, a pair or a set of four as replacements. While purchasing a set of four new tires is best because it will maintain the handling balance engineered into the vehicle while restoring poor weather traction, it is also more expensive. And while purchasing either a single or pair of replacement tires reduces immediate expense, it brings with it the options of choosing exact, equivalent or alternative tires.

If opting for two new tires, place them on the rear of the vehicle, not the front. Worn tires on the rear provide less traction and increase the potential for over-rotation, also known as oversteer, on wet roads. This occurs when the vehicle turns sharper than was intended, causing the rear of the vehicle to shift around and out of control. Placing the new tires on the rear provides a deeper tread with greater hydroplaning resistance to help grip the wet roads. The driver can steer to compensate for the worn front tires to better maintain control safely.

How Should I Choose A Replacement Tire?

Choosing a tire that matches the size currently on the vehicle assures that the physical dimensions, internal construction, tread design, and key performance attributes are equal to the tires being replaced.

Another option is to choose equivalent tires from the same tire performance category that share the same tire size and speed rating. This can be an excellent choice because the consumer may want a different performance attribute than the vehicle manufacturer specified. Vehicle manufacturers select tires for a broad range of consumers that live in many climates. In the Northern US, an all-season tire that performs better in the wet and snow is probably of interest. On the other hand, a spirited driver, may want a tire that has quicker response and more grip in the dry. A tire is a major contributor to the overall performance of the vehicle. Remember, the tire’s contact patch is the only contact you have with the road. 

Because tires play such an important role in every vehicles comfort qualities and handling capabilities, it is always best to drive on tires that are identical in every detail, including tire brand, model, size, and remaining tread depth. Anything else involves some type of compromise.

Call 856-696-5004 or stop by Advance Treads to learn more about the best tires for your vehicles.