Tire Mixing

Tires are crucial for determining a vehicle’s comfort level and handling performance. When replacing a tire, it should always be the same size and type as the current tires on your automobile unless the manufacturer specifies it as an acceptable replacement.

Drivers should be selective when replacing an individual tire. Never mix winter tires with all-season and summer tires, or use run-flat tires with non-run flat tires. You should also never mix radials with non-radials. With 4x4 vehicles, all four tires need to be the same size to avoid axle issues while riding in four-wheel drive. Vehicles with different sized front and rear tires as original equipment are an exception and should be replaced with the same size and type that’s on the axle.

When replacing a tire, the best option is to get the same tire model that’s on your vehicle. Identical tires feature the same physical dimensions, internal construction, tread design and tread compound, and will maintain your vehicle’s control and stability.

If an exact match is no longer available, you should choose an equivalent tire with the same speed rating and similar handling and traction characteristics. Tires within the same performance category will deliver comparable capabilities to your current tires and should be mounted on the rear axle.

A tire from a different performance category should only be used in temporary emergency situations. When you mix tires with different tread patterns, internal constructions or sizes, you can create wet weather handling issues and hurt your vehicle’s performance.