Thread: Mixing Tires

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Hot Rods have traditionally had "Big & Little" tire/wheel combos. Now I'm reading/hearing that mixing tire sizes or brands, (not tire construction like radial & bias) can cause adverse handling! Is this just more legal BS that lawyers come up with or do I need to be concerned? Also note I mean something like a matching pair of 235/70-15's on the rear & a matching pair of 205/70-15's on the front. Might be different brands but same construction, speed rating,etc.

I've run big/littles for decades with no problem. There may be a little handling difference, just adjust your driving habbits. Road conditions & mashing on the go peddle will adversly affect handling too. More important that the tires are in GOOD shape, properly inflated & match your application. (Example: Don't put big/littles on an off road vehicle......... or ......... don't put slicks on a daily driver .... or...... well "U" get the idea).

don't put the big/ little combo on a 4x4 because it can strain the transfer case, I'v heard

the can am cars and indy cars run big &little tires ,and they have no handling problems

I think Matt hit the nail on the head,sort of, On the newer 4WD vehicles a small amount of tire size difference will have adverse affects on the transfer case (i.e. tear the hell out of it) and when I say small I'm talkin as little as 1/2inch difference in diameter will make driveline make weird noises.... And on the passenger cars with anti lock brakes & traction control you have wheel speed sensors so all tires hafta be very close in diameters or you throw the sensors off.
I don't think they are talking about our hotrods at all.........and the vehicles they are referring to would be 1991 and up...

Takes a might big spoon to mix tires.

I found out about this when I called "The Tire Rack" to get some advice about the best rear tires to match up w/a pair of new BFG Traction T/A's I won in a drawing ( they don't make those T/A's in my size). These newer Tration T/A's are one direction tires that are supposed to be much better than the original T/A's for wet & dry traction, cornering,noise, wear, etc.
I found three tires that had almost identical "Tire Rack" ratings for wet/dry traction, cornering,wear,etc. I figured they could pick the best of the bunch for my application. Nope, they said that mixing sizes &/or brands was dangerous & they couldn't recommend doing it. I've researched this a little on the Net & there is some info. but no specifics. Best advice I found for mixing was, keep them in pairs & pick tires that are the same type & speed rating. Also, put newer tires on the rear to avoid hydroplaning (too much front wet traction is not good). And never mix four wheel drive tires or snow tires.
I personally think this is a liability issue & tire manufactures/dealers have been advised not to endorse it. If a person does a little research & picks wisely they SHOULD be OK.

Originally posted by pro70z28
Takes a might big spoon to mix tires.

no, just know how.

Not tryin' to stir the pot there are ya' Mike???

Originally posted by pro70z28
Not tryin' to stir the pot there are ya' Mike???

i would never do that.

Originally posted by pro70z28

i'm to lazy to stir the pot. i'm always looking for the easy way out.

Yup. I prefer pre-mixed.

That tire mix is gettin so thick ,u can not pull a laddle thru it!

Originally posted by shawnlee28
That tire mix is gettin so thick ,u can not pull a laddle thru it!

i think somebody is pulling somebodys tire.