Is Mixing Tires Safe? Here’s What You Should Know

For whatever reason, vehicle owners tend to overlook issues related to their tire quality and safety. But if you fail to regularly check the condition of your tires in Athens County, OH, how will you know when it’s time to have them replaced?

With this in mind, you should make it a point of emphasis to check your tire condition at least a couple times a month, paying special attention to tread wear and other signs of damage, such as cracking, blistering or bloating. The more attention you pay to the condition of the tires, the more you’ll notice that not all four tires are likely to wear out at the same rate. Ideally, you’d replace all four tires at the same time, but for some people this is financially prohibitive, and might not even make sense depending on the wear patterns seen in the tires.

While it is safe for you to replace tires juts one or two at a time, it is important that you do so smartly. Here are some things to keep in mind if this is the strategy you’ll employ.

What to know about mixing tires

If you’re only able to afford one or two new tires at once, you must select tires that are as close to identical as possible to the tires that are already on your vehicle. This means finding tires that have the exact same tread pattern, design and internal construction, as well as the same size. However, it’s also crucial that you never mix winter tires with all-season tires, or standard tires with run-flat tires.

Why is this so important to note? Because all tires are designed for uniquely different handling properties and levels of traction. Tires are designed to work together as a cohesive set, not as individual units. The more you start mixing tread patterns, designs, sizes and types means the less control you’ll have over your vehicle. This means greater danger for you as a driver, as the car could begin to handle unpredictably, or you could experience issues with jittery handling and braking. Your tires are all that stand between your vehicle and the road, so it’s important that you carefully consider the kind you’re using, both for safety purposes and efficient vehicle operation.

If you only replace a couple tires, you should put the new tires on the rear of the vehicle. This is because if you put the new tires on the front and drive over wet areas, the new tires will disperse the water but the rear tires could hydroplane. It’s better to keep the friction at the back of the vehicle for greater control.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you need new tires, you can always use the tried-and-true penny test. Stick a penny into the treads with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the tread does not reach Lincoln’s head, the tire has worn down enough to the point where it needs to be replaced.

For more information about replacing tires in Athens County, OH, contact Dana’s Tire Center today.

Categorised in: Tires

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