Do you want to put new tires on your car?
You want to drive safely, but don’t want to break the bank just to put a new set of tires on your car. To keep you informed about how the tire business works, we talked to a tire industry expert. This insider’s account will help guide you through this important automotive transaction.
When do Sales Guys say you can’t mix tires?
“You can’t mix tires”: Often, a customer would come in with two good tires and want to replace them. Some of the sales guys would say, “We can’t mix tires” even though you can. If money was no object, I’d like to keep all the tires matched up. But for people on a budget, this is a big hit to the wallet.
Can you put rear wheel drive tires on front axle?
There can be exceptions, however. Some car manufacturers will recommend fitting the new tires to the front axle, for example, if the car is a front-wheel drive. Consult your vehicle manufacturer’s handbook or a tire specialist for further information. Some vehicles are factory-fitted with tires of different sizes between the rear and front axles.
Can you mix tread patterns and tire brands?
However, if mixing becomes unavoidable due to a lack of availability or budget constraints, then it’s possible to mix tire brands and tread patterns – but only so long as drivers fit a pair of tires with the same tread patterns and brands across the same axle.
Where to put new tires on a car?
If you have two tires with treadlife remaining, and two that are toast and need replacing, the better tires should be installed on the back of the car – across the rear axle. The older tires with life remaining should stay at the front of the car, or be rotated up to the front when the new tires are mounted.
When is it best to use the same tire set?
A matched tire set is best. Whenever possible, it’s always best to use identical tires with the same tread pattern, size, and construction. This helps you maintain optimum control and stability for your vehicle.
Can you use a mismatched set of tires on a car?
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t use a mixed or mismatched set of tires on your vehicle, unless the tire and/or vehicle manufacturer specifies that this is acceptable. (Some vehicles have what is known as a “staggered fitment” — different-sized tires on the front and rear axles.) A few examples of mismatched tires include mixing:
Where is the best place to change a flat tire?
Find a flat, stable and safe place to change your tire. You should have a solid, level surface that will restrict the car from rolling. If you are near a road, park as far from traffic as possible and turn on your emergency flashers (hazard lights).