Tires - Mixing Tread designs ?

bigdog · 06-21-2018, 02:43 PM

I have a couple tires on the front of my SUV that need replacing.
Rather than go to my local favorite 'Town Fair Tire', I called a local junk yard who has the exact size tire I need 245x60x18. 18" tires are hard to find !

He has a matched set of tires with extremely low milage, the catch is the tread design is totally different than my original Michelin Latatude Touring tires.
Matched set are Goodyear CS TripleTread, with a very different tread design.

Question..... Would it be wise to replace with Goodyears' with the tread design diff, and if so would it cause any issues with the car as it's 4WD (2013 Explorer).

Oh... one last question, maybe someone can explain what each of those numbers on the tire indicates, it's always been a mystery to me....
245 x 65 x 18
I know the 18 means that its an 18" tire, but don't know what the other numbers mean ???

Thanks !

Meredith AK · 06-21-2018, 02:55 PM

I can't answer your mismatched tread question, but tire size numbers mean the following:

245 This number indicates that your tire has a width of 245 millimeters
60. This number means that your tire has an aspect ratio of 60%. In other words, your tire's sidewall height (from the edge of the rim to the tire's tread) is 60% of the width.
18 diameter of wheel rim in inches

Poor Richard · 06-21-2018, 03:30 PM

If the 4WD system is "permanent" as in always engaged, I would avoid mismatched tread design.

If the 4WD system allows for switching to 2WD, I wouldn't worry.

bigdog · 06-21-2018, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

If the 4WD system is "permanent" as in always engaged, I would avoid mismatched tread design.

If the 4WD system allows for switching to 2WD, I wouldn't worry.

Thanks Poor Richard ! The 4WD is constant and cannot be changed to 2WD.
Will avoid the tread diff. and remember for the future !
Lesson learned !

Rusty · 06-21-2018, 03:48 PM

Click on the link below and than click again when it says to click here.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=mixing+tire+tread+design+on+car

Biggd · 06-21-2018, 05:45 PM

As PR said, if it is constant 4WD you should have all the same tires.

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BroadHopper · 06-22-2018, 06:28 AM

Constant 4X4 are usually called AWD. It is electronically controlled. Some AWD can even sense the difference in tread depth!

I had a set of WR 3Gs on my MB with about 40% tread left. One tire suffered a road hazard. I had road hazard warrantee on all tires. The Nokian dealer strongly recommend replacing all 4 tires under the warrantee instead of one, otherwise the AWD mechanism will act up.

I replaced the WR 3Gs with WR 4Gs at no additional cost. Great tires!

LIforrelaxin · 06-22-2018, 06:58 AM

It all been said here.... but some notes on All wheel drive....

You must really look at the manufactures instructions, especially when under warranty. They will specify the max tread depth offset. From my knowledge, the tightest tread depth offset is with Subaru... When one tire goes you just need to replace them all... It sucks I know.... but you can and will screw up the drive train of an AWD car otherwise... and all AWD will specify that the tires have to be matching for tread pattern etc.....

The Real BigGuy · 06-22-2018, 07:36 AM

I understand the reason for same diameter (tread depth effect diameter) on 4 & AW vehicles but what is the issue with tread pattern. Never been able to figure that one out.

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thinkxingu · 06-22-2018, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

I understand the reason for same diameter (tread depth effect diameter) on 4 & AW vehicles but what is the issue with tread pattern. Never been able to figure that one out.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I think it all has to do with clearances--the same diameter tires keep the differentials/gearing moving equally. Given that tread can affect traction, which affects slippage, which affects clearances/symmetrical movement, there is a need to keep tread pattern the same.

Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk

ApS · 06-22-2018, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog

I have a couple tires on the front of my SUV that need replacing. Rather than go to my local favorite 'Town Fair Tire', I called a local junk yard who has the exact size tire I need 245x60x18. 18" tires are hard to find ! He has a matched set of tires with extremely low milage, the catch is the tread design is totally different than my original Michelin Latatude Touring tires. Matched set are Goodyear CS TripleTread, with a very different tread design. Question..... Would it be wise to replace with Goodyears' with the tread design diff, and if so would it cause any issues with the car as it's 4WD (2013 Explorer). Oh... one last question, maybe someone can explain what each of those numbers on the tire indicates, it's always been a mystery to me....245 x 65 x 18 I know the 18 means that its an 18" tire, but don't know what the other numbers mean ???

Thanks !

When dealing with a junk yard or used car tire establishment, ensure that you can return the tires if you uncover something wrong.

New car "take-offs" are there for a reason. (Noise, ride, tracking, etc.)

.

Rusty · 06-22-2018, 06:31 PM

The week and year the tire was made is important also.
As you can see in the below image the tire has 5107 on it..51st week 2007.

JEEPONLY · 06-23-2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Constant 4X4 are usually called AWD. It is electronically controlled. Some AWD can even sense the difference in tread depth!

I had a set of WR 3Gs on my MB with about 40% tread left. One tire suffered a road hazard. I had road hazard warrantee on all tires. The Nokian dealer strongly recommend replacing all 4 tires under the warrantee instead of one, otherwise the AWD mechanism will act up.

I replaced the WR 3Gs with WR 4Gs at no additional cost. Great tires!

This all seems a bit unclear to me. You replaced all tires, warranty was in effect (for one tire?), and no additional cost.

I've been here, before, and am interested in your final cost to replace all four tires (mounting/balancing included?).

jeffk · 06-23-2018, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Constant 4X4 are usually called AWD. ...
I had a set of WR 3Gs on my MB with about 40% tread left. One tire suffered a road hazard. I had road hazard warrantee on all tires. The Nokian dealer strongly recommend replacing all 4 tires under the warrantee instead of one, otherwise the AWD mechanism will act up. ...

Very interesting, I hadn't thought about this. The next car I am thinking about is an AWD. In the past I hadn't bothered with road hazard warranties because I considered it unlikely to happen and the cost was that of a single tire, maybe two depending on wear. But if the risk is having to replace all 4 tires, that makes the warranty a better deal.

BroadHopper · 06-24-2018, 07:11 AM

To make it clear, One tire hit a sharp object in the road. There was visible damage on the tire that appears to be a large gash in the tread. The tire did not lose air, but close inspection shows the aramid fiber was damage.
I showed the dealer the tire, as I knew I had the comprehensive package for all 4 tires. This include road hazard coverage, free replacement first 6 months or 2/32 of tread. after this the warrantee is pro rated.

The tires were worn to about 40% tread left. Because the car was AWD, the dealer suggest that I cannot replace one tire as the new tread will effect the AWD. He decided to replace all 4 tires under the warrantee. (Later I found out that Nokian has a road hazard warrantee included with all new registered tires, on top of the VIP road hazard warrantee. Not sure which was used.)

2 was pro rated at 43% and 2 was pro rated at 29%. This was determine with a tread gauge. The discount was credited toward the purchase of the new tires. I paid for the installation, shop fees and tire disposal. So $137 was credited toward the new tires.

VIP includes with each tire:
Tire rotation
Flat repairs
Tire pressure checks
road hazard coverage
lifetime balancing
changeovers
All free for the life of the tire.

I'm sure to be competitive, all tire dealers have similar deals. I don't shop around for perks, just tire prices. After this experience I will.

nhcatrider · 06-26-2018, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

I understand the reason for same diameter (tread depth effect diameter) on 4 & AW vehicles but what is the issue with tread pattern. Never been able to figure that one out.

Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Traction. You don't want tires that grip better on one end of the car compared to the other, too easy to loose control in an emergency situation. Same reason why tire dealers encourage you to buy 4 snow tires instead of two. If you just put snow tires on the front of a fwd car you will find it very easy to loose control of the back of the car.

AC2717 · 06-26-2018, 10:10 AM

Biggd,
I have had very good success a couple times buying tires with 60% and up tread life left on Ebay and them shipped to my door, most times free. just plug in your size. Two i did had odd sizes and sure enough i found them on there.

SIKSUKR · 06-27-2018, 12:15 PM

Potential handling issues aside, I dont think the drive system cares at all about different tread. What is important though is the actual rolling circumference. One wheel making less rotation than the others is not good for 4wd systems is why it is recommended to replace all if the tires have more than 10% wear or I've seen no more than 3/32 difference.

Poor Richard · 06-28-2018, 02:54 PM

It's more of a general statement to keep all "like" tires on each corner of a 4WD or AWD vehicle. The reality is, many of the AWD systems can handle mismatched tires and some systems aren't bothered even by different sizes of tire front to back.

On the permanent 4WD systems, the limitation typically comes down to the transfer case.

Tread design is likely not a factor at all for the mechanical aspect of a given vehicle drive system however mismatched tread design can result in complaints from the vehicle's electronics if the vehicle senses the ever-so-slight differences in rolling resistance or perhaps differences in tire design as a result of speed rating.

For whatever it's worth, of all the AWD and 4WD vehicles I owned, the only time I've ever replaced all 4 tires due to a tire failure was with the permanent 4WD system in my (then) 2005 4Runner.

06-21-2018, 02:43 PM	#1
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,445 Thanks: 339 Thanked 118 Times in 95 Posts	Tires - Mixing Tread designs ? I have a couple tires on the front of my SUV that need replacing. Rather than go to my local favorite 'Town Fair Tire', I called a local junk yard who has the exact size tire I need 245x60x18. 18" tires are hard to find ! He has a matched set of tires with extremely low milage, the catch is the tread design is totally different than my original Michelin Latatude Touring tires. Matched set are Goodyear CS TripleTread, with a very different tread design. Question..... Would it be wise to replace with Goodyears' with the tread design diff, and if so would it cause any issues with the car as it's 4WD (2013 Explorer). Oh... one last question, maybe someone can explain what each of those numbers on the tire indicates, it's always been a mystery to me.... 245 x 65 x 18 I know the 18 means that its an 18" tire, but don't know what the other numbers mean ??? Thanks !

06-21-2018, 02:55 PM	#2
Meredith AK Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Beautiful Town of Meredith Posts: 108 Thanks: 38 Thanked 44 Times in 32 Posts	Tire size I can't answer your mismatched tread question, but tire size numbers mean the following: 245 This number indicates that your tire has a width of 245 millimeters 60. This number means that your tire has an aspect ratio of 60%. In other words, your tire's sidewall height (from the edge of the rim to the tire's tread) is 60% of the width. 18 diameter of wheel rim in inches

06-21-2018, 03:48 PM	#5
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	Click on the link below and than click again when it says to click here. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=mixing+tire+tread+design+on+car __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

06-22-2018, 06:28 AM	#7
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,204 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	AWD vs 4WD Constant 4X4 are usually called AWD. It is electronically controlled. Some AWD can even sense the difference in tread depth! I had a set of WR 3Gs on my MB with about 40% tread left. One tire suffered a road hazard. I had road hazard warrantee on all tires. The Nokian dealer strongly recommend replacing all 4 tires under the warrantee instead of one, otherwise the AWD mechanism will act up. I replaced the WR 3Gs with WR 4Gs at no additional cost. Great tires! __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-22-2018, 06:58 AM	#8
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,867 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 892 Times in 524 Posts	It all been said here.... but some notes on All wheel drive.... You must really look at the manufactures instructions, especially when under warranty. They will specify the max tread depth offset. From my knowledge, the tightest tread depth offset is with Subaru... When one tire goes you just need to replace them all... It sucks I know.... but you can and will screw up the drive train of an AWD car otherwise... and all AWD will specify that the tires have to be matching for tread pattern etc..... __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

06-21-2018, 03:30 PM	#3
Poor Richard Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: The humbling river Posts: 304 Thanks: 42 Thanked 80 Times in 57 Posts	If the 4WD system is "permanent" as in always engaged, I would avoid mismatched tread design. If the 4WD system allows for switching to 2WD, I wouldn't worry.

The Following User Says Thank You to Rusty For This Useful Post:
upthesaukee (06-21-2018)

06-21-2018, 05:45 PM	#6
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,080 Thanks: 2,199 Thanked 1,185 Times in 752 Posts	As PR said, if it is constant 4WD you should have all the same tires. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

The Following User Says Thank You to BroadHopper For This Useful Post:
LIforrelaxin (06-22-2018)

06-22-2018, 07:36 AM	#9
The Real BigGuy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 125 Thanked 467 Times in 285 Posts	I understand the reason for same diameter (tread depth effect diameter) on 4 & AW vehicles but what is the issue with tread pattern. Never been able to figure that one out. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-22-2018, 06:31 PM	#12
Rusty Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 2,028 Thanks: 603 Thanked 687 Times in 425 Posts	The week and year the tire was made is important also. As you can see in the below image the tire has 5107 on it..51st week 2007. Attached Images __________________ It's never crowded along the extra mile.

The Following User Says Thank You to Rusty For This Useful Post:
Newbiesaukee (06-23-2018)

06-24-2018, 07:11 AM	#15
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,204 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Warrantee To make it clear, One tire hit a sharp object in the road. There was visible damage on the tire that appears to be a large gash in the tread. The tire did not lose air, but close inspection shows the aramid fiber was damage. I showed the dealer the tire, as I knew I had the comprehensive package for all 4 tires. This include road hazard coverage, free replacement first 6 months or 2/32 of tread. after this the warrantee is pro rated. The tires were worn to about 40% tread left. Because the car was AWD, the dealer suggest that I cannot replace one tire as the new tread will effect the AWD. He decided to replace all 4 tires under the warrantee. (Later I found out that Nokian has a road hazard warrantee included with all new registered tires, on top of the VIP road hazard warrantee. Not sure which was used.) 2 was pro rated at 43% and 2 was pro rated at 29%. This was determine with a tread gauge. The discount was credited toward the purchase of the new tires. I paid for the installation, shop fees and tire disposal. So $137 was credited toward the new tires. VIP includes with each tire: Tire rotation Flat repairs Tire pressure checks road hazard coverage lifetime balancing changeovers All free for the life of the tire. I'm sure to be competitive, all tire dealers have similar deals. I don't shop around for perks, just tire prices. After this experience I will. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-26-2018, 10:10 AM	#17
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,571 Thanks: 753 Thanked 353 Times in 265 Posts	Biggd, I have had very good success a couple times buying tires with 60% and up tread life left on Ebay and them shipped to my door, most times free. just plug in your size. Two i did had odd sizes and sure enough i found them on there. __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

06-27-2018, 12:15 PM	#18
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	Potential handling issues aside, I dont think the drive system cares at all about different tread. What is important though is the actual rolling circumference. One wheel making less rotation than the others is not good for 4wd systems is why it is recommended to replace all if the tires have more than 10% wear or I've seen no more than 3/32 difference. __________________ SIKSUKR

06-28-2018, 02:54 PM	#19
Poor Richard Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: The humbling river Posts: 304 Thanks: 42 Thanked 80 Times in 57 Posts	It's more of a general statement to keep all "like" tires on each corner of a 4WD or AWD vehicle. The reality is, many of the AWD systems can handle mismatched tires and some systems aren't bothered even by different sizes of tire front to back. On the permanent 4WD systems, the limitation typically comes down to the transfer case. Tread design is likely not a factor at all for the mechanical aspect of a given vehicle drive system however mismatched tread design can result in complaints from the vehicle's electronics if the vehicle senses the ever-so-slight differences in rolling resistance or perhaps differences in tire design as a result of speed rating. For whatever it's worth, of all the AWD and 4WD vehicles I owned, the only time I've ever replaced all 4 tires due to a tire failure was with the permanent 4WD system in my (then) 2005 4Runner.