Mixing Tyre Types on the Same Axel 🤨 ?

Fishdoodle

Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

One of my tyres was damaged and needs replacing. The tyre dealer suggested that one tyre would be sufficient (rather than change the pair on the axel). I decided to go with the latest version of the same tyre (since all the tyres will eventually be switched to the newer spec tyre). I was told that the difference would be negligible, when it comes to handling, re the different tyre wear - esp on the rear axel. So seems all well and good ….however

…the tread obviously is going to be a little different - by its design and also tyre wear.

So, if I go ahead , on the rear axel I’ll have a new tyre along with existing (which still has about 5mm depth). And the pattern will be similar but not exactly matching.

The perfectionist in me says ‘everything should be equal and balanced -tread depth and EXACT tyre type.

The economist in me says ‘well changing only one tyre saves money plus a reputable tyre dealer recommends that’s an ok way to go …unless you’re a F1 driver there’d be no noticeable difference’.

Some thoughts on this would be great 👍

JCN12

Replacing a perfectly good tyre is extremely wasteful.

The tyre dealer would be correct.

Atlantic Dawn

Yes I'd be caught between decisions too. I'm guessing your spare tyre (if you even have one) is like most now and not the same size at the rest of the tyres? If your car was say 5+ years old (rubber starts to perish around 5-6 years old) and had a full sized spare from new another option might be to take the good tyre on the same axle and put it as the spare, then buy 2 new tyres on the axle, at least you would gain a newer spare from the purchases.

If there's 5mm on the current good tyre on that axle I'd have no problem putting the new tyre on the same axle, especially seeing as it's the same version of the tyre. A new tyre is about 8mm, it won't make much difference if any. I'd replace both on the axle when the good tyre then got to the stage of needing replacing.

Fishdoodle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119550342#Comment_119550342

👍 Yes seems wasteful to replace a good tyre. However tyres on an axel work as a pair, and shouldn’t their performance be equal (they can only perform equally if the wear and spec are equal)? I’d choose the safety aspect of a cars handling in an emergency for ex. over saving a few quid. That said, IF the difference in handling is minute, then just changing one tyre as you suggest would be fine.

Fishdoodle

Thanks AD -good advice! The spare is a full size- however it’s a summer tyre but hardly worn. The rest of the tyres are all-season (work great in winter 😁

The new tyre isn’t exactly the same :CrossClimate+ (Original) CrossClimate 2 (new) difference looks like below 👇

I'd replace both on the axle when the good tyre then got to the stage of needing replacing.

-Could you clarify what you mean here?

JCN12

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119550546#Comment_119550546

As long as both tyres are the same size, there shouldn't be an issue.

Atlantic Dawn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119550639#Comment_119550639

Sorry I meant to say just replace the bad tyre, then when the 5mm tyre gets to the stage of replacement you can do them both.

Fishdoodle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119551280#Comment_119551280

Thanks JCN12 & AD - Appreciate the advice 👍

CiniO

In most EU countries it is illegal to have different tyres within the same axle. They need to be the same brand and tread shape. So if you lived there, you wouldn't have such dilemma.

In Ireland you can do as you wish, so you can choose...

Maybe if other tyre is 5mm, you can find one secondhand of the same brand, model and similar tread wear.

Fishdoodle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119551628#Comment_119551628

👍 Thanks- Yes, I remember reading somewhere that the tyres on the same axel must be exactly the same (by law) -must’ve been a UK site. Couldn’t find anything on that legal requirement in Ireland. As far as I understand here the tyres need only be the same where it comes to ply in the tyre (cross ply Or radial) . Good suggestion re. second hand -thanks.

Fishdoodle

Interesting vid on different tyres (new / worn) on front axel.

https://youtu.be/LByae0TgFp0

…

creedp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119551628#Comment_119551628

Would prefer to replace with new tyre with different thread depth than take a risk with a potentially damaged used tyre

thedart

Did you check your spare op?

Fishdoodle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119555887#Comment_119555887

Yep, The spares a summer tyre .

thedart

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119557288#Comment_119557288

Why not use that?

CiniO

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119555880#Comment_119555880

Would any damage not be visible when inspecting the tyre before fitting?

Fishdoodle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119557315#Comment_119557315

Summer and all season tyres perform pretty differently -especially at low temperatures & completely different tred pattern. Would be a disaster in winter. 🌧️ As a spare ...just ok perhaps but wouldn't use it for regular / long distance drives.

Fishdoodle

Am going to go with just the one new all season tyre - I'll see how the car handles in the short term and if handling seems any way off I'll just stick a second new on the same rear axel (best axel for new tyres anyway).

When it comes to cars over the years - spending money on good tyres and good oil has always paid off in the long run. After switching to all season tyres I'd never go back to summer. They've been fantastic in the wet and dry and great in icy conditions. Wear has been pretty decent too!

thedart

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119557460#Comment_119557460

Are you in Siberia?

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119557548#Comment_119557548

You seem like the type of person who fits the cheapest Chinese tyres they can find. Not sure why you have a problem with OP fitting good quality tyres. And suggesting to use a summer and all season tyre on the same axel is bad advice.

thedart

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119571018#Comment_119571018

You are not a bit racist.

creedp

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119557342#Comment_119557342

You could have damage to sidewall from hitting a kerb or pothole that wouldn't be noticeable on a visual inspection. I know used tries are supposed to be checked by laser but still I think the risk from running a new tyre with more thread is lower than a used tyre with similar thread. It's down to personal choice and circumstance.

Another way of looking at it is that if you are short of cash a quality used tyre might be a better option than a new ditchfinder. Personal choice really.