Mismatched Tires

[normkol]

I have a 2024 Titanium, it came with the Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 in 245-50/20.

A couple of months ago I had a flat in the left rear. I took it to a local Firestone, where they told me it was too near the sidewall and couldn't be repaired. They sold me a Bridgestone Turanza Everdrive, about $300 installed.

I checked the diameter of the new versus the originals and they are almost the same. I only have about 6700 miles on the car, so replacing all 4 was not really an option.

My concern is the difference in tread design. The Hankook's are asymmetrical, the Bridgestone not. Right now on the rear axle I'm not noticing any problems. My concern is at the next rotation this mismatch will be on the front.

Any opinions on whether it's safe to go with this, or should I bite the bullet and replace the Bridgestone?

 

Thanks. 

[edgeidiot]

On an AWD vehicle, some recommend the replacement of all four tires as it is critical to prevent damage to the rear differential. Closely maintaining the rear differential by having tires with the tread depth and regular fluid changes may avoid large repair bills. I am not sure what you mean by checking "the diameter of the new versus the originals and they are almost the same." Do you have a tread depth gauge? Using a tread depth gauge is the only way to measure the diameter of a tire that is not new. Did the tire dealer measure the tread depth of the two remaining tires? Yes, mixing of symmetric and asymmetric tires may also cause a problem with rotating the tires. I am surprised that the tire dealer even sold you the asymmetric tires (it must have been that it was the only type that was in stock - tire dealers do this - I used to be a tire store manager.) You would always want the asymmetrical tires on the rear because of the different handling properties, tread pattern and speed rating difference, but rotating tires is critical for an AWD.

[normkol]

By diameter I meant the height of the tire, top to bottom. The new tire is a match in that respect. I did measure the tread depth and took that in to account.

The tire dealer sold me the symmetric tire, the Edge came with asymmetrical tires.

My concern is having the mismatch on the front. I'm afraid it will affect the handling. I have until June, when I get my annual servicing (I only do about 4,000 miles/year).

[garycrist]

Tread depth is not the way to measure tire diameter! A tire's diameter CAN NOT be determined by the

it's size on the sidewall! Even the same size tire of a different design made by the same manufacturer

may not have the same diameter too! Measuring from top to bottom will not give diameter measurements 

that are valid. If you want to know the diameter of a tire in question, got to the MFG.s site and find the revs per

mile for your tires and compare.

 

As for asymmetrical on one side vs the other in the front, under normal conditions, you will never be able to tell the difference!

Not only was I a tire store manager but, I owned and operated 22 tire and brake stores and was the largest

distributor of Yokohama tires. I even owned the next 6 months of production at 1 time. But that is another story for another time. 

[edgeidiot]

Tires of the same size (i.e. P245/60R18), no matter the brand, have the same diameter. The only way to determine the wear on a tire is by using a tread depth gauge. Here is a link to a page showing the specs for each tire size: TIRE SIZE GUIDE - TIRE DIAMETER, WIDTH, AND MORE. – PREMIER TIRES & WHEELS

Edited 6 hours ago by edgeidiot