[s-cars] Do all 4 tires have to be the same?

[Robin Stoddard]

Hey Tom,

Actually, that’s a good question which I do not have a definitive answer.
I know that whomever you buy tires from will swear that all four have to be the same model and therefore will try to sell you all four.  Cha Ching!
I suspect that like me, given that it is that time of the year that you would rather spend money on presents for the family rather than tires.

You know, 30 years ago when I had my ford F100 pickup, I think that out of the 4 tires, I might have had two tires that were the same model, but then again…that is if I was lucky.
It didn’t seem to make a difference, that was noticeable on a pickup; either in handling or mechanically.  Of course it wasn't an AWD vehicle, where it does make a difference as the differentials are a little fussy, which is why you would at least want to install them in pairs.  The other point is the difference in circumference between the tires that you have and the new tires.  Even if you get a new tire from the same manufacturer (different model), it is highly likely that there will be a difference in circumference between the new tire and the old ones.  Seemingly small differences, but just big enough to drive a diff nuts.

My opinion would be that rather than buying 4 tires, I would just pick up two new ones at this time and install them in pairs.  As in either both on the front or both on the back.
If you are located where you actually get winter conditions…I would put the new ones on the back.  Of course there are some that will say put them on the front, and you know both are correct.  It really depends on where you want the most grip.  And so it is really up to you and your driving preference, if you want more grip on the front or the back taking into consideration the conditions in your area.

Good luck & have fun.
RS



> On Dec 18, 2016, at 8:59 PM, Tom Rodriguez <trodri69 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I know that given our Quattro system we must run the same size tire on all
> four corners, but do they all have to be the same make and model?  I
> recently damaged the sidewall of one of my snow tires so it cannot be
> repaired, and I have learned the manufacturer (Bridgestone) has discontinued
> the model.  The other three snow tires are relatively new and are good for
> at least two more winters.  Can I run a Bridgestone snow tire of the same
> size but a different model on one corner, or am I asking for trouble?  I
> hate the thought of buying four new snow tires when only one needs to be
> replaced.
> 
> 
> 
> Tom Rodriguez
> 
> '95 S6, 275K
> 
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