Mixing tire brands with winter tires

[scott r johnson]

Just bought a GT1 and because the front and rear tires are different sizes I've been looking around for what i might get for winter tires next fall. I've noticed that very few brands have winter tires in both sizes. They will have one size but not the other. The few that do have both are pretty expensive. Could I put winter tires of different brands on front and back as long as they are the recommended size?

 

[westcoastGT]

Just bought a GT1 and because the front and rear tires are different sizes I've been looking around for what i might get for winter tires next fall. I've noticed that very few brands have winter tires in both sizes. They will have one size but not the other. The few that do have both are pretty expensive. Could I put winter tires of different brands on front and back as long as they are the recommended size?

have you considered high performance all season tires , quite a few of us run them

 

[celwin]

Just bought a GT1 and because the front and rear tires are different sizes I've been looking around for what i might get for winter tires next fall. I've noticed that very few brands have winter tires in both sizes. They will have one size but not the other. The few that do have both are pretty expensive. Could I put winter tires of different brands on front and back as long as they are the recommended size?

Can you drive on them? Yes. Is it recommended? No. The handling characteristics between the two will be different due to tire construction and tread grip being different.

 

[TODDK]

Just bought a GT1 and because the front and rear tires are different sizes I've been looking around for what i might get for winter tires next fall. I've noticed that very few brands have winter tires in both sizes. They will have one size but not the other. The few that do have both are pretty expensive. Could I put winter tires of different brands on front and back as long as they are the recommended size?

Where are you located?
I am in PA with an AWD on 19's

 

[scott r johnson]

I'll check those out. Thanks.

Where are you located?
I am in PA with an AWD on 19's

I'm in northern Vt with awd 19. I ended up ordering some of the more expensive tires.

 

[SteveCo]

Look into a second set of winter rims and tires in 18 inch vs. 19, in a square vs staggered set up. Lots of info on here about that if you do some searching. A different profile means you have a bigger side wall for more protection and better ride, while not affecting your speedo.

Tires will also be cheaper, can be rotated front to rear (directional), and the non-machined finish on the winter rims will not corrode from road salt like the OEMs.

Good luck and congratulations on the new car!

 

[eflyguy]

Could I put winter tires of different brands on front and back as long as they are the recommended size?

Yes you can. The differences in handling, traction will be no more significant than different sizes due to staggered wheels. Obviously you wouldn't put slicks on one end and all-seasons on the other, but within reason, you can mix and match without issue.

This commonly comes up with motorcycles, there are those that think you will die in a ball of flame if you mix tire models - let alone brands. Then there are the hundreds of thousands of riders that mix them up without issue. Some even use narrow car tires on the rear for maximum longevity - none have been proven to die in flames yet!