For optimal safety and performance, you shouldn’t place the same tires on every wheel position on your vehicle. Stick to the same brand, size, load index, tread pattern, and speed rating for both the front and rear. That’s because mismatched tire constructions and sizes can pose a danger.
Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for proper tire size, load index, and more when on the hunt for new tires.
What does it mean to mix tires? This means you are using a tire that has a different characteristic from a matching set. Try to replace all four tires at the same time. If you can’t do that, at least try for two of the same on the rear of the vehicle.
Check out these examples of mixed tires and combinations:
- Different seasonal tires (i.e., summer, winter)
- Run-flat tires paired with non-run-flat varieties
- Tires with varying sizes or treads
- Tires from different manufacturers
Why it’s Not a Good Idea to Mix Tires
There are many reasons why you should never mix tires. Here are a few of the top reasons:
- Uneven Tread Wear – When you engage in routine tire rotations and wheel alignments, this allows for even wearing across all tires. When you mix tires, uneven weight distribution can result across all four wheels, with some wearing out faster than others.
- Poor Handling – Mixed tires are more challenging to drive. Your tires are custom designed with certain traction and handling properties in mind. When you mix tires with different sizes, designs, and tread patterns, vehicle handling and braking issues can arise. Poor handling equals unstable driving conditions, boosting your risk for accidents.
- Limited Performance – Mismatched tires don’t work as effectively together as tires that were designed as one cohesive unit. For the smoothest and safest driving experience, always use the same tires from the same manufacturer. Mixing not only prevents optimum driving performance, it limits acceleration rate, load capacity and maximum speed.
Proper Maintenance
With the proper maintenance, car tires can last anywhere between five and 10 years. You may have to replace the tires sooner than you have to if you decide to mix them right off the bat. Identical tires offer better grip, traction, handling and overall safety performance.
If it’s time to get new tires for your car, truck or SUV, make sure they are identical in brand and make. Your car will thank you for it!
Contact I&I Tires
We sell new and used tires here at I&I, along with mobile service for your convenience. Check out our shop online today! To ask questions or to get prices, call us at 470-231-2311 or 678-403-8029, or schedule a convenient appointment online. We would be happy to guide you in the best decision possible.