Will different tread patterns mess up the alignment?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 149
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From: austin, texas, usa
2006 e320 cdi
Will different tread patterns mess up the alignment?
I have a staggered 19" wheel setup. All of the tires are made by Sumitomo (HTR Z III series). The rear passenger side was blown yesterday. Since the driver side is still in very good shape, I was thinking about changing only the bad one. No one sells Sumitomo locally, Some tire stores tell me it's OK to just replace the bad one with a different brand. Others tell me if the tread patterns don't match, one tire maybe pulling on the other and mess up the alignment. Any truth to that?
Since I couldn't find anyone selling the same tire locally, I ended up putting the OEM tires/rim back on for the time being. Since all 4 tires are identical (almost, some worn a little more than the others), I put the more worn ones in the front and less worn ones in the rear. But I remember that when you rotate tires, you are only supposed to rotate the pair on the same side exchanging the front and the back. So, let's say if I mixed up the front and the back from the original configuration, what harm will it do?
thanks very much!
Since I couldn't find anyone selling the same tire locally, I ended up putting the OEM tires/rim back on for the time being. Since all 4 tires are identical (almost, some worn a little more than the others), I put the more worn ones in the front and less worn ones in the rear. But I remember that when you rotate tires, you are only supposed to rotate the pair on the same side exchanging the front and the back. So, let's say if I mixed up the front and the back from the original configuration, what harm will it do?
thanks very much!
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I have a staggered 19" wheel setup. All of the tires are made by Sumitomo (HTR Z III series). The rear passenger side was blown yesterday. Since the driver side is still in very good shape, I was thinking about changing only the bad one. No one sells Sumitomo locally, Some tire stores tell me it's OK to just replace the bad one with a different brand. Others tell me if the tread patterns don't match, one tire maybe pulling on the other and mess up the alignment. Any truth to that?
Since I couldn't find anyone selling the same tire locally, I ended up putting the OEM tires/rim back on for the time being. Since all 4 tires are identical (almost, some worn a little more than the others), I put the more worn ones in the front and less worn ones in the rear. But I remember that when you rotate tires, you are only supposed to rotate the pair on the same side exchanging the front and the back. So, let's say if I mixed up the front and the back from the original configuration, what harm will it do?
thanks very much!
Since I couldn't find anyone selling the same tire locally, I ended up putting the OEM tires/rim back on for the time being. Since all 4 tires are identical (almost, some worn a little more than the others), I put the more worn ones in the front and less worn ones in the rear. But I remember that when you rotate tires, you are only supposed to rotate the pair on the same side exchanging the front and the back. So, let's say if I mixed up the front and the back from the original configuration, what harm will it do?
thanks very much!
Older cars with open differentials made little difference.
I normally replace only 2 tires at a time. 2 new front 2 matched used front move to rear.
I started this when I was having cupping/wear issues on my E500.
My recommendation. Michelin Pilot sport is the tire to run. I know there are others that will tell you "good as Michelin". But I have paid the price.
My Master Craft and Bridgestones only ran 10,000 miles before cupping and were replaced at about 12,000 miles. Tire shops said Car, alignment, bla, bla and shocks.
MB service dept said nothing wrong with car tires.
So I checked the show room for what came on new S500's and it was MPS's.
I have been using these now for 4 years and have 38,000 miles on them. Granted it is now time to change them but they still run smooth and have reasonable tread with even wear.
Tires in my book!
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Have you checked Tirerack.com? They ship very quickly, are competitively priced, & have everything available. I've bought from them several times.
Don't mismatch tires on the same axle. It can't effect mechanical alignment, but likely will effect handling in subtle ways, particularly in wet road conditions due to rubber compounds, tread design, shoulder, etc.
Don't mismatch tires on the same axle. It can't effect mechanical alignment, but likely will effect handling in subtle ways, particularly in wet road conditions due to rubber compounds, tread design, shoulder, etc.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: austin, texas, usa
2006 e320 cdi
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
