Is It Safe To Mix Tyres?

One of the most common questions many drivers ask is, "To mix or not to mix tyres?"

We at Tyroola, like many tyre manufacturers and experts, highly recommend that you AVOID mixing tyres and stick to the same kind because if your tyres don't match, it will negatively affect your car's performance. Here's why:

 

Speed Rating Issues

Your tyre speed rating is the maximum speed your tyre can handle while carrying its maximum weight or load capacity.

Fitting tyres with different speed ratings on each wheel position may result in problems with your car's braking and handling, which can lead to major damage or serious injury.

 

Wheel Size Issues

If you have different patterned and sized tyres, they might either be too wide or narrow for your rims, resulting in wheel balance and tread wear problems.

 

Different Tyre Brands

Different tyre brands have unique manufacturing procedures and design processes that lead to varying outcomes.

Each tyre is generally designed to work in tandem with its triplet siblings. If a tyre is paired with three totally different models, it may wear out more quickly or handle and perform differently.

 

Different Tread Pattern

Each tyre pattern is unique and optimised for specific situations to provide maximum grip and stability and a smooth, comfortable and safe drive.

For example, there are tyre patterns that are made for SUVs driving on-road in warmer climates, while others are specifically designed for 4x4s who like to hit the trail.

When you mix different tread patterns, your vehicle might present with handling issues causing you to lose control.

 

Tyre Tread Depth

Driving on tyres with different degrees of tread wear is dangerous. There is a higher risk of blowouts and other tyre damage if one side is more worn out than the other.

 

Mixing Weather Tyres (Summer, All-season and Winter)

Don’t mix summer with all-season or winter tyres and vice versa.

These tyres are specially designed to stay reliable within a particular temperature range. If mismatched, you can lose control of your tyres, and an accident can occur.

 

What to do if there's no other solution:

While the best and safest option is to use the exact same tyres on all four wheel positions on your vehicle, constraints such as a limited budget and a lack of availability may force you to mix different tyres.

If that is the case, fit the same tyre (same brand and pattern) on the same axles. For example, you can fit the BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 on your front axle and the Hankook Dynapro ATM RF10 on the rear axle.

However, to minimise the risk, make sure all four tyres are the same size and same tread depth.

If you need to use tyres with different load and speed ratings, always ft the higher-rated tyres on the rear axle.

 

Replace your tyres with a fresh and complete set of identical tyres today!

If you need a fresh set of tyres, browse through Tyroola's wide range of choices. We have all the major tyre brands and their patterns in various sizes.

You can also take advantage of Tyroola’s “Buy 3 Get 1 FREE Tyre” promo.