My rear tires have totally balded during this winter and I will have to get them replaced. However, the front ones are still decent and likely be good for another year. Has anyone driven with two different sets of tires as I'm thinking of doing?

 

I drove on two different "Name Brand" tires for several years with no ill effects. Just make sure one set isn't summer only, and the other set is 4 seasons rated. You may have some precarious moments during sudden temperature changes.

 

I run two different tires on front and back, front on the silverfox, I like a stiffer sidewall, would like another set of run flats on the front, with there stiff sidewalls, but finding a run flat in all season for front has almost no options.
Rear I use good all season tires that are good for rain in 275/35 or 285/35 in rear.
Rear I have used good year eagle, gmax, dws, dsw 06, and can't remember what was on when I purchased.

 

Fireamx, I didn't think of that. Great point. Thanks.

 

The other factor to consider when using different tire sets is to use the same tread configuration. Mixing Asymmetric & Symmetric tread patterns is something most tire shops won't recommend. And if the set you're keeping is a directional tread design, then the new set needs to be that design also.


Attached documents cover the possibilities. (Note: Keep in mind, the attached documents from TireRack.com are documentation from a vendor that sells tires. But the overall philosophy is sound.)

 

I have 225/40ZR-18 Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 XL all season high perfs on the front to handle the extra weight on the front/turn in and to ensure handling in the wet, and 225/50ZR-17 KUMHO ECSTA LX PLATINUM XL max perf summers on the rear for improved traction. I've had zero problems and the formula - works for me. If it's cold outside I take it easy. As the Khumo Ecstas wear out on the rear, I will replace them with Michelin Pilot Super sports or similar. Is there anything better than the Super Sports? I still have some wheel spin even with the Khumos and Wavetrac LOL!!

 

Was this a fopa. 18s on the front an 17s on the rear,?

 

I guess not he said
225/50r17
Doesn't make much sense though.

 

No, the actual tires are 285/35ZR X 19 inchers. You have a fine editor's eye! Thanks for catching that error.

 

I am on tire set #5.the last three sets have been cooper zeon in several different configurations.i am running at present 225/40 18 RS3S (summer soft compound) on the front and a 275/35 19 RS3A (all season) on the rear.I don't run the car in cold weather.this seems to be working well for me but tire preference seems to be a very personal thing.

 

You might check Bridgestone Driveguard, (run flat). They list 225/40RF18 & 235/40RF18. Also a 245/40RF19 which might work on rear if one wants run flats on all corners?
Maybe discussion should be moved to Technical/Tire section.

 

Run-flat tires suck, they are too stiff, I don't believe run flats came on Crossfires OEM. An additional problem with the rear size 255/35/19 is that most (if not all) are XL load rating because that size is somewhat common on heavier cars and SUVs.

I run standard passenger 225/40/18 Yokohama AVID All-Season on the front and Pirelli P Zero Nero High Performance All-Season on the rear in 255/40/19 which are 1 inch larger in diameter overall. Both have appropriate speed and load ratings though they are different from each other, 92V and 96W. The fronts were an Audi OEM fitment and the rears are Mustang GT (Performance Pack) front fitment.

Here's the kicker, I bought all of them used (from a used tire dealer) and by used I mean they are brand new dealer take offs with less than 100 miles on them. I have no issues with buying used tires, the dealers check them all for damage and that they hold air on a rim. I've had real issues with brand new tires from places whose name rhymes with Shack to go through that again. An interesting not is that OEM tires have all the UTQG numbers on the sidewall other than treadwear though you can look those up online.

 

can you recommend a couple used tire dealers online please? thanks!

 

I didn't but get mine online though there are companies selling used tires online. You'll still have to pay for shipping. There is Used Tires for Sale at Discount Prices - BestUsedTires.com which looks pretty good. I bought mine locally using the method below.

Look on Craigslist in the largest city near where you live, they have a category in auto parts just for wheels and tires. I live in SE Michigan so I found mine near Detroit which may be better than other locations. The best part about buying used is that the dealer checks the tires, you can look at them also, and you can buy what you want rather than what a tire store (new) wants to sell you. You may find tires from a private party also, I've done that in the past.

 

cool - thanks very much

 

been doing it for 5 years...no problems of any kind....Carl