Author Topic: Mismatched Winter Tires  (Read 1273 times)

Offline Survey

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Mismatched Winter Tires
« on: November 24, 2005, 06:51:39 pm »
I have a pair of Bridgestone Blizzak MZ-02 winter tires for the front drive wheels.  They are in excellent shape with lots of tread remaining (and rather expensive).  I have tried to purchase another set of the same but they have been discontinued.

I have recently puchased a pair of Dunlop Graspic DS-1 from Wally-Mart for my rear wheels.

Is this a good idea or should I dump the Blizzaks and buy 2 more Dunlops to have 4 matching tires??

Offline AVToller

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Re: Mismatched Winter Tires
« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2005, 07:41:45 pm »
If you are going to use mismatched tires, be sure to put the ones with better traction on the back! I don't know how similar these tires are, so I can't comment on the safety of that particular mix.
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Offline oversteer

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Re: Mismatched Winter Tires
« Reply #2 on: November 28, 2005, 11:46:37 pm »
Unless you have AWD I would do what AVToller has suggested.  For some ridiculous reason I can't find specs on the MZ-02 anywhere online  but I am almost positive that it is Q-rated, as is the Graspic DS-1.  To me the tread patterns look similar enough so I would pair them up without hesitation.  The reason to avoid mismatching tires is because you don't want different characteristics on the front and back of the car.  In the most extreme case, suppose you put UHP summer tires on the front and winter tires on the rear.  You're doomed - you will understeer right through an intersection in the winter.  On the flipside if you put the winters on the front, you'll spin out.  What you're talking about it taking a pair of Dunlops and a pair of Bridgestones with similar tread patterns, similar traction characteristics, and similar speed and load ratings.  This should not cause you any problems whatsoever.  Only thing is that as I said, if you have an AWD car I would think twice.

Offline davidy

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Re: Mismatched Winter Tires
« Reply #3 on: November 29, 2005, 12:43:02 am »
I would recommend buying another two Dunlop's to match your recent tire purchase and then sell off the Blizzaks. That's the only way to get all four tires to be matched in every way including treadwear.

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Offline articsteve

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Re: Mismatched Winter Tires
« Reply #4 on: November 29, 2005, 01:10:37 am »
Is this for the Sunfire?  I would just use what you have.
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Offline morty

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Re: Mismatched Winter Tires
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2005, 12:02:17 am »
It is not the best, but as long as the speed ratings match you can do it.