AMGPower88

So I just put an order in on Tirerack for 4 new tires for my 2008 C63. I went with Hankook Evo K110 for the front 2 tires and Hankook Evo2 for the rear tires. The evo2 version is the newer one with supposedly better tread life and traction. I would have gotten Evo K110 for all 4 tires, but they didnt have the size available for my rears in that version and it was on sale thats why I chose it for the front tires.

Going all 4 tires with Evo2 wouldve been more expensive hence why I didnt go down that path.. I went with stock sizes for my stock 18's, 235/40/18 and 255/35/18 for the rears. The tirerack rep called me saying it will mess with the handling since the rear 2 tires are a newer version than the front 2 tires, is this true or will I be ok running an older pair in the front and newer pair in the rear axle? I didnt think it was too much of an issue since Im in California and usually weather wont be too bad around these parts... Any input is appreciated, thanks

P.S. Are the Hankooks wider tires than our stock Pirelli Pzeros or is it the same width? I heard Michelin sizes can be wider than usual.

johnny--2k

I would match them. Those tires are the only thing between you and the road, don't take a chance just to save a couple bucks. Driving this car, the last thing you should be worried about is saving some money on tires. That's like putting regular unleaded in the tank. Long term, not a good idea!

AMG6.3

That is nonsense my friend they do not need to be the same tread pattern on front and rear. Just don't put a all season tire on the front and a summer tire on the back. You are fine.

AMGPower88

Thats what I assumed as well.. Same tires just newer version on the rear axle..

johnny--2k

Ideally, they should be for the wear factor. If treadwear ratings are the same, it's good, but still not ideal.

Again, just my 2 cents, so take it however you will. I've owned a lot of cars in my life, and gone through a LOT of tires and I'm only speaking from experience. Since yours are same brand, just a never version, it's not a huge concern. Just make sure to keep them matched by axle at least. Don't mix two different rears, for example.

m a x i m u s

for street driving, you'll be fine. no matching sets required.

AMGPower88

Thanks, yea it'll only be for DD straight-away driving.. Little to no track-time at all.

tfthach13

The best analogy I've heard was comparing mismatched tires with mismatched running shoes. Technically there is no problem and you will run fine. The only difference being on side might feel different than another.

I personally don't think it'll be a problem with different fronts and rears; I've ran on summer fronts and all-seasons rears for about 2 years before the fronts wore out and I needed a new front set, and there wasn't any problems at all.