Conflicting advice. Can you run different make front and rear tires?
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Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 136
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From: Eastern NC
CL 65/LX470
Conflicting advice. Can you run different make front and rear tires?
Looking for new rears on my CL65. I decided to change from Michelin Pilot Sport A/s to Continental Extreme Contact DWS. I have received conflicting advice. Is it or is it not o.k. to have two different brand tires on front and rear axles? One dealer told me that it would be unsafe due to handling differences between different tires. What do folks think about this??
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Los Angeles
04 CL55 (sold), 2012 CLS550 (sold), 2014 S550 (sold), 2015 ES300H (DAILY)
it's certainly not BAD, but not good either. It's always best to have 4 same tires but having 2 different ones wont hurt you.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 603
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From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
ok
As long as same axle has same type/brand tires you are okay....AND the tires should be in the same classification......i.e. ultra high performance, maximum performances tires, etc...
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
Looking for new rears on my CL65. I decided to change from Michelin Pilot Sport A/s to Continental Extreme Contact DWS. I have received conflicting advice. Is it or is it not o.k. to have two different brand tires on front and rear axles? One dealer told me that it would be unsafe due to handling differences between different tires. What do folks think about this??
Thanks.
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,545
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From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
differences in rolling resistance, sidewall deflection rates, water evacuation among other things can cause adverse handling so, it is never recommended to mix and match tires.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Asheville, Atlanta
SL 65 AMG, Porsche 911 (993), 2014 Cayenne GTS, 2013 Toyota Highlander Limited
mix and match
Tire Rack gave me the advice on tires for my Porsche.......as long as same tires on same axle and of the same type - i.e. ultra high performance, max performance, etc....it is okay....
I have had NO issues in dry or wet....
I have Dunlop on the front axle and Sumitomo on the rear......also no issues on the track........
My rears wear twice as fast as my fronts due to engine weight and traction in the back.....
In my case the Dunlops were discontinued, so I went with the different brand in the rear.......
I will go with the same brand all around when I can, i.e. helps in concours judging, etc..
I have had NO issues in dry or wet....
I have Dunlop on the front axle and Sumitomo on the rear......also no issues on the track........
My rears wear twice as fast as my fronts due to engine weight and traction in the back.....
In my case the Dunlops were discontinued, so I went with the different brand in the rear.......
I will go with the same brand all around when I can, i.e. helps in concours judging, etc..
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Washington DC
06 infi g35
I agree. Its not recommended but its not the worst thing in the world either. You generally want to try and match tread pattern, speed ratings, and performance capabilities of the tires to ensure the smoothest and best ride possible.
Since you are considering Pilot Sport A/S Plus and Conti DWS, I will say that you want to be a bit careful. Pilot Sport offers much better cornering ability than the DWS so just make sure you are more of a calm driver and not the spirited fun lover that takes corners at a higher speed. As for treadlife, Michelin's probably offer one of the highest tread life ratings in the class so I think it may just come down to price and trade off in cornering ability for your particular situation.
I'd recommend going with the Michelin's myself.
Since you are considering Pilot Sport A/S Plus and Conti DWS, I will say that you want to be a bit careful. Pilot Sport offers much better cornering ability than the DWS so just make sure you are more of a calm driver and not the spirited fun lover that takes corners at a higher speed. As for treadlife, Michelin's probably offer one of the highest tread life ratings in the class so I think it may just come down to price and trade off in cornering ability for your particular situation.
I'd recommend going with the Michelin's myself.
Looking for new rears on my CL65. I decided to change from Michelin Pilot Sport A/s to Continental Extreme Contact DWS. I have received conflicting advice. Is it or is it not o.k. to have two different brand tires on front and rear axles? One dealer told me that it would be unsafe due to handling differences between different tires. What do folks think about this??
