Mixed winter tyres

[ima poster]

Just bought a set of tyres only to find I have got 3 x Continental TS819 and 1 x Dunlop 3D. All are the same speed rating (V) , all are the same load rating (97) and of course all are known brand rather than some cheap Chinese tyre. Is this likely to be a problem. I'd not even ask the question in Summer. The tyres are offset sizes, so the mixed pair would have to be on the back on an RWD car. Driving is going to be on cold and possibly frosty roads. Live in the South West - haven't seen any snow for about 3 years. Would appreciate opinions

[PHuzzy]

Mixing tyres on the same axle can be a bad idea, it's not illegal to do so but generally the tyres may not have the same characteristics.
Ideally I'd try to get hold of a 4th Conti or at least get a 2nd Dunlop and sell the odd tyre to pay towards the new one.

[BritishRacinGrin]

Where did you get them from? Are they new?

[JulianHJ]

I'd personally find a 4th Conti, but I'm picky.

Someone will be along shortly to tell you that you'll die in a ball of fire if you mix them - How hard are you going to be be driving in poor weather though?

[TA14]

Do you have a spare and if so what's on that?

[gazza285]

Are they all black and round?

[g3org3y]

ima poster said:

Just bought a set of tyres only to find I have got 3 x Continental TS819 and 1 x Dunlop 3D.

Did you buy them with the assumption they were all the same type?

eBay special or elsewhere?

[bobfett]

PHuzzy said:

Mixing tyres on the same axle can be a bad idea, it's not illegal to do so but generally the tyres may not have the same characteristics.
Ideally I'd try to get hold of a 4th Conti or at least get a 2nd Dunlop and sell the odd tyre to pay towards the new one.

+1. Why take the risk for a relatively small saving?

[jon-]

TS819?

Check the dates on the tyres.

[hornetrider]

I think it would offend my OCD but the chances of you ending up in a ditch because of it are basically nil.

[xRIEx]

hornetrider said:

I think it would offend my OCD but the chances of you ending up in a ditch because of it are basically nil.

I have to slightly ashamedly admit* that my 'summer' tyres are a horrendous mishmash of brands. Not had a nasty moment so far.




 *Not so ashamed as to keep schtum though, obviously.

[Sheepshanks]

ima poster said:

The tyres are offset sizes, so the mixed pair would have to be on the back on an RWD car.

Would appreciate opinions

I'm running All Seasons on my Merc and no-one does both front and rear sizes in the correct speed rating and load index so I've got different tyres front and rear.

I don't think I'd be too concerned if the fronts didn't match across the axle, but I really wouldn't be comfortable with different rears, except in an emergency. How similar do the tread patterns look and what are the treadwear rating numbers (may not have them, but give a guide to how soft/hard the rubber is)?

[andy-xr]

gazza285 said:

Are they all black and round?

This would be my main thought too

[Sheepshanks]

andy-xr said:

gazza285 said:

Are they all black and round?

This would be my main thought too

Some owners get their knickers in a twist if you suggest using non-MO tyres on a Merc. Mine didn't have them on from new.

[blueacid]

gazza285 said:

Are they all black and round?

They're fine, this one's only flat at the bottom look.

I'll get my coat.