mixing tyres on same axle

[macafee2]

Mine field, do you know the law?

Here are two examples of information taken from websites
https://www.protyre.co.uk/news/may-2...20each%20other.

Can I mix different tyre tread patterns?
No. Mixing different tread patterns across the same axle is not allowed. The identical tyre model and tread pattern must be fitted for a single axle. You can, however, use different tyres on a separate axle – just as long as they too match each other.

and this web site says different

https://www.bktyres.co.uk/advice/uk-tyre-law/
Mixing brands and patterns of the same construction type is permissible depending on the vehicle type and manufacturers recommendation. Check your vehicle’s handbook for tyre fitment details and options.


macafee2

[stocktake]

Never heard of the " do not mix tread patterns on the same axle before"

Lets look at it logically. pair of virtually new tyres and one has a sidewall puncture but that tread pattern is no longer available, so you have to buy a pair and the other one is of no use? (not even as a spare) come to think of it, if you have different makes front and back do you have to carry two spares?

Me thinks the statement is an ideal world sales pitch.

[Arctic]

Hi Ian.
Why would anyone want to do that on the same axle one of my pet hates is seeing a car with different tyres, even if they have same type on each axle, i have to put the same tyres on all four corners, one it looks better, it is safer in my opinion.

On all Freelanders 1&2 they must be the same have the same tread depth other wise damage can be caused to the drive train.

Tyres are the same as your brakes in terms of safety, they are must be kept in good order including the right type for the car.

[polinsteve]

Originally Posted by Arctic

Hi Ian.
Why would anyone want to do that on the same axle one of my pet hates is seeing a car with different tyres, even if they have same type on each axle, i have to put the same tyres on all four corners, one it looks better, it is safer in my opinion.

On all Freelanders 1&2 they must be the same have the same tread depth other wise damage can be caused to the drive train.

Tyres are the same as your brakes in terms of safety, they are must be kept in good order including the right type for the car.

A rare occasion when I don't necessarily agree with you. As we all know, tyres have wildly differing characteristics, so I agree with matching on the same axle. However, I have never had performance issues with different pairs. In fact, on large vehicles, tyres must be different on driven, steered or trailer axles. Om my motor cycles I, along with most bikers, would experiment to find the best combinations of front and rear as a "bad" combination could be deadly.
On economy grounds, front and rear tyres usually wear at different rates, so changing all four together needlessly is not something most of us can justify. I haven't had a traction/steering problem for about 48 years when my youthful exuberance, a patch of ice and lack of experience saw me doing an uncontrolled exotic dance and unskilled reverse into bushes, in my Mk2 Consul

[Andy_with_a_screwdriver]

Regarding an MOT I've had the following.

I've had a fail when I had a 16" spare wheel fitted with 3 other of 17" wheels, I'd just had a puncture and due to the age of vehicle I left it on in case car was beyond repair.

My tourer last month passed with a matching pair of Bridgestones on the front, and the rear had one Uniroyal and one Roadstone which i had fitted when i had a puncture in the matching Uniroyal a while back.
The sizes are the same, not sure of speed rating but treads are certainly different.

My MOT tester is fanatical about tyres tread depth, and nearly every test has some warning about tyres wearing!! Didn't appear worried about tread patterns just condition of the tyres.

Incidentally I'm booked in tomorrow to have the uniroyal replaced with a new matching Roadstone, as it got an advisory for uneven wear due to worn bushes. Also having a full tracking check as I've just replaced the nearside rear suspension arms and bushes.

[macafee2]

Originally Posted by Andy_with_a_screwdriver

Regarding an MOT I've had the following.

I've had a fail when I had a 16" spare wheel fitted with 3 other of 17" wheels, I'd just had a puncture and due to the age of vehicle I left it on in case car was beyond repair.

My tourer last month passed with a matching pair of Bridgestones on the front, and the rear had one Uniroyal and one Roadstone which i had fitted when i had a puncture in the matching Uniroyal a while back.
The sizes are the same, not sure of speed rating but treads are certainly different.

My MOT tester is fanatical about tyres tread depth, and nearly every test has some warning about tyres wearing!! Didn't appear worried about tread patterns just condition of the tyres.

Incidentally I'm booked in tomorrow to have the uniroyal replaced with a new matching Roadstone, as it got an advisory for uneven wear due to worn bushes. Also having a full tracking check as I've just replaced the nearside rear suspension arms and bushes.

I am a believer in same tread pattern on an axle for reasons that has been said in the thread by others, handling characteristics. I just thought I'd post what I'd found. It makes it difficult to know what is right.

wife just needs 1 tyre but I did have to hunt round for the tyre. I rang Ford and they offered me something else and like what is on her car or not I do want the same on the axle.

macafee2

macafee2

[Andy_with_a_screwdriver]

Originally Posted by macafee2

I am a believer in same tread pattern on an axle for reasons that has been said in the thread by others, handling characteristics. I just thought I'd post what I'd found. It makes it difficult to know what is right.

wife just needs 1 tyre but I did have to hunt round for the tyre. I rang Ford and they offered me something else and like what is on her car or not I do want the same on the axle.

macafee2

macafee2

I always buy in pairs but on occasions over the years due to puncture etc have ended up with an odd pair for a while, though I will always make sure this ends up on the rear.

I had a very lightly worn tyre I took off a spare set of wheels I bought for fitting winter tyres on. I kept it in storage and when I recently had a puncture I got it fitted, hence mismatch for MOT. I understand the arguments about grip and handling, but good tread on the rear end, with sensible driving I can't see how much difference a mismatch on the rear axle of a front wheel drive car will make?

I would always want a matching pair on the front, and get my new ones fitted there despite tyre fitters always wanting to put them on the back.
Can't understand why you wouldn't want the best grip on the front where all the steering, traction and most of the braking happens.

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by Andy_with_a_screwdriver

I always buy in pairs but on occasions over the years due to puncture etc have ended up with an odd pair for a while, though I will always make sure this ends up on the rear.

I had a very lightly worn tyre I took off a spare set of wheels I bought for fitting winter tyres on. I kept it in storage and when I recently had a puncture I got it fitted, hence mismatch for MOT. I understand the arguments about grip and handling, but good tread on the rear end, with sensible driving I can't see how much difference a mismatch on the rear axle of a front wheel drive car will make?

I would always want a matching pair on the front, and get my new ones fitted there despite tyre fitters always wanting to put them on the back.
Can't understand why you wouldn't want the best grip on the front where all the steering, traction and most of the braking happens.

Apparently it's the back that will always be the first to slide when cornering in slippery conditions even with matching tyres.--

[stevestrat]

Copied from the Goodyear website:

Installing Tires on the Rear Axle

When tires are replaced in pairs, the new tires should always be installed on the rear axle, and the partially worn tires should be moved to the front. Driving with new tires on the rear axle can help the vehicle to maintain control on wet roads because the tires with deeper treads are more likely to resist hydroplaning.

When front tires have less tread than the tires on the rear axle, the vehicle is generally considered easier to control, since sliding would likely be the result of an understeer –which is easier for the driver to control by decreasing throttle. If worn tires are placed on the rear axle and a slide occurs, it’s likely the result of an oversteer (where the rear of the vehicle continues to move straight ahead). Oversteering is generally harder to recover from and decreasing throttle may actually amplify the negative effects of the oversteer.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by macafee2

Can I mix different tyre tread patterns?
No. Mixing different tread patterns across the same axle is not allowed. The identical tyre model and tread pattern must be fitted for a single axle.

I hope that Arctic isn't reading this but when I have had different brands of tyre on a single axle, the car has always passed its MOT test. So yes Ian, you can mix different tyre tread patterns.

Simon

Edit: I have sent an e-mail to Protyre asking them for more information on their claim.