Mixing tires ???

Mark M · 11-23-2009, 10:52 AM

Ok, stupid question and I feel awkward for even asking it.

I know it is never recommended to mix tires, however would the following be a huge no no, or just a minor issue?

My rears are completely shot, my fronts have plenty of life. I have no interest in retaining the RFTs long term. So, what if I replaced the rears with Goodyear F1-DS3s and left the OE RFTs on the front till they are worn out?

Tom K. · 11-23-2009, 11:04 AM

Probably not a good idea as you may encounter some real spooky handling surprises.

As my BMW rears normally get half the tread life of the fronts, I'm planning to bite the bullet and replace the 2 rear tires with OEM RFTs. Then, at around 40k when all 4 tires are worn, I'll go with a set of 4 non RFTS.

Incidentally, I replaced the Bridgestone 050A RFTs on my Z4 with the GS-D3s. There was only slightly better handling and little difference in the ride - although the price was certainly much better.

Tom

gyrfalcon · 11-23-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark M

Ok, stupid question and I feel awkward for even asking it.

I know it is never recommended to mix tires, however would the following be a huge no no, or just a minor issue?

My rears are completely shot, my fronts have plenty of life. I have no interest in retaining the RFTs long term. So, what if I replaced the rears with Goodyear F1-DS3s and left the OE RFTs on the front till they are worn out?

As Tom mentioned, it's probably not a good idea. Generally you can get away with mismatching tires as long as they in similar performance categories, but mixing runflats and non-runflats is even more of a no-no given the difference in sidewall stiffness.

Lester · 11-24-2009, 08:17 AM

Never mix RFT's with non RFT's. A decent tire shop wouldn't even let you drive off the lot like that as they could be liable if you have an accident. You shouldn't even mix different brands or models of tires.

VMRWheels · 11-24-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lester

Never mix RFT's with non RFT's. A decent tire shop wouldn't even let you drive off the lot like that as they could be liable if you have an accident. You shouldn't even mix different brands or models of tires.

I agree. The RFT's and Non-RFT's have a night and day difference in handling characteristics. I recommend purchasing either the same tires or swapping them all out for Non-RFT's.

-Charles@VMRWheels

11-23-2009, 10:52 AM	#1
Mark M Major 240 Rep 1,288 Posts Drives: E30M3 E83X3 E90335D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lancaster, PA iTrader: (0)	Mixing tires ??? Ok, stupid question and I feel awkward for even asking it. I know it is never recommended to mix tires, however would the following be a huge no no, or just a minor issue? My rears are completely shot, my fronts have plenty of life. I have no interest in retaining the RFTs long term. So, what if I replaced the rears with Goodyear F1-DS3s and left the OE RFTs on the front till they are worn out?
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11-23-2009, 11:04 AM	#2
Tom K. Major General 124 Rep 5,627 Posts Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Probably not a good idea as you may encounter some real spooky handling surprises. As my BMW rears normally get half the tread life of the fronts, I'm planning to bite the bullet and replace the 2 rear tires with OEM RFTs. Then, at around 40k when all 4 tires are worn, I'll go with a set of 4 non RFTS. Incidentally, I replaced the Bridgestone 050A RFTs on my Z4 with the GS-D3s. There was only slightly better handling and little difference in the ride - although the price was certainly much better. Tom
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11-24-2009, 08:17 AM	#4
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Never mix RFT's with non RFT's. A decent tire shop wouldn't even let you drive off the lot like that as they could be liable if you have an accident. You shouldn't even mix different brands or models of tires.
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