Winter tires - mix and match?

[TNMUP18]

Put my winter tires on today, and two of them need to be replaced (long story about having a friend do the alignment a few years back and ruining two tires). Apparently the tires I have on it aren't produced anymore - Dunlop Grandtrek 235/60 r18. Are there any risks in running two different manufacturers of tires? The two that don't need replacing were bought 2 years ago, I think - and they are in very good shape. Other than possibly looking like cr**, if the diameters are the same, do I run any risks? Thanks,

Ken

[therock88]

Put my winter tires on today, and two of them need to be replaced (long story about having a friend do the alignment a few years back and ruining two tires). Apparently the tires I have on it aren't produced anymore - Dunlop Grandtrek 235/60 r18. Are there any risks in running two different manufacturers of tires? The two that don't need replacing were bought 2 years ago, I think - and they are in very good shape. Other than possibly looking like cr**, if the diameters are the same, do I run any risks? Thanks,

Ken

Most experts will likely indicate that all four (especially on an AWD vehicle) should be the same exact tires for safety. That said, if you do your best to install tires that have similar tread attributes and similar tire characteristics (treadwear rating, load range, compound, traction and temperature rating, total circumference, aspect ratio) you should be fine. That will depend on your comfort level however.

If you can get four exact, always better and safer, but do what you need to do and best to get them as close as possible....

Good luck...Hope that helps.

DC

Edited December 6, 2010 by therock88

[TNMUP18]

Thanks Rock... I guess I always knew the right answer but was hoping for an epiphany! Thanks for the response... 4 new on the way.

Put my winter tires on today, and two of them need to be replaced (long story about having a friend do the alignment a few years back and ruining two tires). Apparently the tires I have on it aren't produced anymore - Dunlop Grandtrek 235/60 r18. Are there any risks in running two different manufacturers of tires? The two that don't need replacing were bought 2 years ago, I think - and they are in very good shape. Other than possibly looking like cr**, if the diameters are the same, do I run any risks? Thanks,

Ken

Most experts will likely indicate that all four (especially on an AWD vehicle) should be the same exact tires for safety. That said, if you do your best to install tires that have similar tread attributes and similar tire characteristics (treadwear rating, load range, compound, traction and temperature rating, total circumference, aspect ratio) you should be fine. That will depend on your comfort level however.

If you can get four exact, always better and safer, but do what you need to do and best to get them as close as possible....

Good luck...Hope that helps.

DC