So, you need a new tire. Perhaps your tires didn’t get rotated enough, causing one to wear out faster than the others. Or perhaps a large nail in the road punctured your tire and created a hole too large to repair. Whatever the case, you’re likely eyeballing the current tire sales, hoping it’s okay to mix tire brands. The short answer is yes, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Let’s take a look at all you need to know to get your car smoothly rolling down the road once again.
Importance of Using Matching Tires
Matching tires provide balanced handling, even wear, and optimal performance through every mile. When all four tires are the same brand, model, and wear level, you can trust that they’ll guarantee as expected in various road conditions. You’ll be able to complete all your driving maneuvers with confidence that your car’s ready for anything that comes its way.
So, if you can always run four matching tires, do yourself a favor and replace them all at the same time. If that’s not a viable option, you may be able to just replace two, but try to go with the same brand and model as the existing tires. It’s not recommended that you only replace one tire at a time, no matter what brand or model you choose.
Important Considerations When Mixing Tire Brands
If you cannot replace all four tires or get two that match the others, your only option is to mix tire brands. You’ll need to remember the following things to protect your car’s drivetrain and stay safe on the road.
Tread Pattern
The tread patterns used by different tire manufacturers are designed for specific road conditions, driving styles, and performance applications. If the tread patterns differ too much, it can lead to inconsistent handling, noise and vibration, and varying wear rates. There’s also a higher risk of hydroplaning during heavy rainstorms.
Overall Tread Depth
Your new tires will have much more tread depth than the existing ones unless you have already replaced the others within the last 1,000 miles. The difference in tread depths can affect how your car handles, making it difficult to feel confident behind the wheel. The effect may feel even more pronounced if you buy tires with markedly different tread patterns.
Performance Ratings
Every tire model has many performance ratings to consider, such as:
- Speed
- Load
- Traction
- Temperature
- Treadwear
These ratings determine how your tires perform in different driving situations and conditions. Running tires with different ratings can affect how fast your car stops, how your car handles, and the overall lifespan of the tires.
Placement on the Car
When buying mismatched tires, always ensure the tires on each axle match each other. Also, if you drive a front-wheel-drive car, place the two new tires on the rear. Do the opposite if you have a rear-wheel-drive car. Individuals who drive all-wheel-drive cars are typically out of luck in this department because replacing all four tires at once is recommended to prevent drivetrain damage..
Visit Our Marshville, NC Auto Repair Shop for Tire Sales and Service
When you need tire sales and service in Marshville, NC, there’s nowhere better to go than Whitley Automotive. We’re your go-to auto repair shop for all the leading tire brands and services, including tire rotations and wheel alignments. To schedule your visit, call (704) 624-6616. We’ll help you find a great time to come by our shop located at 7006 East Marshville Blvd, Marshville, NC 28103.
