If you have a car tyre that’s beyond repair or needs to replace two worn tyres, there must be more certainty about whether matching replacements will be readily available or are still in production. People often question how using different tyres brands impacts their car’s performance when replacing tyres. Is combining different tyre brands and tread designs on your vehicle okay, or should you ensure they’re identical?
Here, we have valuable information on whether you can combine car tyre brands on your car:
Mixing vs. Matching Passenger Car Tyres
Car manufacturers have long discouraged mixing different tyre brands, emphasising that it is best avoided at all costs for optimal safety and performance. Their recommendation is straightforward: use the same tyres (with matching size, type, tread pattern, load index, and speed rating) on all four wheels of your vehicle.
In an ideal world, all passenger car tyres would wear out simultaneously. This scenario would indicate that vehicle design, driving conditions, and maintenance practices have harmonised to ensure uniform tyre wear and performance. It would also signal that drivers have maximised the value of their current tyres. However, reality rarely aligns with this ideal. As a result, experts advise against combining tyres from different manufacturers or with varying tread patterns. Even if the size matches, significant differences exist due to variations in tread design, manufacturing processes, load index, and speed rating.
Moreover, several countries legally mandate matching tyres. Governments require all four tyres to share the same size, speed rating, and load index. Deviating from this standard can compromise safety and performance.
So, it’s best to stick with a consistent tyre set. Mixing and matching may lead to unexpected consequences, so it’s wise to heed the manufacturer’s advice and avoid experimenting with tyre combinations.
What if Circumstances Arise Wherein You Have to Mix Car Tyres?
Ideally, we prefer to use the same tyres for your car, but sometimes circumstances may not allow for this. There might be instances where availability issues or budget constraints mean you need to combine different tyre types and patterns. However, you can minimise potential problems by fitting a pair of tyres with matching tread patterns and brands on the same axle. It could mean having a matching set on the rear axle or pairing identical tyres on the front axle. Having deeper tread tyres on the rear axle enhances handling, wet grip, and water dispersal, reducing the risk of oversteering and maintaining vehicle stability on moist surfaces.
On the other hand, deeper tread tyres on the front axle can improve straight-line braking and increase stopping distances in wet conditions. When replacing just two tyres, we usually recommend placing them on the rear axle unless a tyre specialist advises otherwise.
It is also possible to mix tyres with different load indices and speed ratings. These ratings might exceed the car manufacturer’s minimum requirements (like extra vs. standard load). In such cases, it is advisable to fit the higher-rated tyres on the rear axle.
Be Careful About Your Vehicle’s Tyre Replacement
As a rule, all tyres should be replaced simultaneously. It maintains the vehicle’s load balance while also providing robust handling. Changing only one or two tyres on a four-wheeler may result in poor weather traction. We recommend that you change all your car tyres at the same time.
If you replace the tyres individually, put the new tyres on the rear axle. The rear tyres give more excellent hydroplaning resistance and greater tread depth. Because the rear provides more control, the ride can be more stable, and drivers are less likely to slide or fall in terrible road conditions.
Never combine different tyre sizes in any situations. Uneven tyres may impact vehicle acceleration, and the steering will seem out of control. Tyres of varying sizes may not give the speed your vehicle is capable of and may result in incorrect speedometer readings. In the long run, uneven tyres increase the danger of clutch damage.
It would be reasonable to claim that each tyre has its character and personality. We can safely conclude that combining tyre manufacturers for your automobile might cause many issues. Thus, when you buy tyres online, make sure that they are the correct size for your vehicle.
Get the Best Deals on Passenger Car Tyres
Eagle Tyres, a reputed tyre shop in Sydney, offers a range of superior-quality passenger car tyres from leading brands like Achilles Radial, Bridgestone, Kumho, Falken, Hankook, Dunlop, BF Goodrich, Atturo, Good Year, Continental, and more for performance, superior ride comfort, and durability.
