Mismatch tires?

**Doc.** · 01-18-2009 06:04 PM

Could it hurt anything? I know Audi drivetrains are very sensitive, and i was wondering if that mattered.

I got a flat tire today and i didnt notice till the sidewall was pretty worn, so im gonna have to get atleast two new tires. The stock Pirelli's are still good on the rear. The fronts (where i got the flat) have a little worn on the outsides from the previous owner not caring about the tire pressure i guess. So i was thinking about just getting two goodyear tires and stick them on the front or maybe even on the back, and keep the other stock two. Should this be ok?

**thecheda** · 01-18-2009 06:08 PM

I was wondering the same thing today examining the tread on my tires.

I was at a tire shop last year, and service advisor that helped me out informed me that installing mismatched tires would screw up the drivetrain in my Audi. He also made a comment about how my A4 being quattro could contribute to the problem as well.

**old guy** · 01-18-2009 06:13 PM

Won't hurt a thing. Just don't mix them side to side. Front to back mix is OK.

**Doc.** · 01-18-2009 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

Won't hurt a thing. Just don't mix them side to side. Front to back mix is OK.

Wouldnt that almost be like staggered wheels?

And also, i guess i shouldnt keep it on the donut for long? I'll call up my buddy tomorrow and see how fast i can get the tires.

**old guy** · 01-18-2009 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Doc.

Wouldnt that almost be like staggered wheels?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Doc.

And also, i guess i shouldnt keep it on the donut for long? I'll call up my buddy tomorrow and see how fast i can get the tires.

Won't be an issue.

**Doc.** · 01-18-2009 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

Yes.
Won't be an issue.

**Plasticar** · 01-18-2009 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by thecheda

I was wondering the same thing today examining the tread on my tires.

I was at a tire shop last year, and service advisor that helped me out informed me that installing mismatched tires would screw up the drivetrain in my Audi. He also made a comment about how my A4 being quattro could contribute to the problem as well.

Of course he advised you this way, his job is to sell tires. The quattro drivetrain will accept the difference from new to worn tires no problem. Even if only one is newer. I agree, though, to have the same tires on the same axle.

If you are going ot all this trouble, you may want to think about having the 2 good tires removed and reversed so the outside is now on the inside. Usually tires wear the most on the outside due to steering and cornering. Swapping them will even out the wear a bit and may get you an extra rotation worth of wear before they are done for. They may be just a touch noisier until they wear in a bit, but shouldn't be much of a problem. Just a thought.

**thecheda** · 01-18-2009 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Plasticar

Of course he advised you this way, his job is to sell tires. The quattro drivetrain will accept the difference from new to worn tires no problem. Even if only one is newer. I agree, though, to have the same tires on the same axle.

If you are going ot all this trouble, you may want to think about having the 2 good tires removed and reversed so the outside is now on the inside. Usually tires wear the most on the outside due to steering and cornering. Swapping them will even out the wear a bit and may get you an extra rotation worth of wear before they are done for. They may be just a touch noisier until they wear in a bit, but shouldn't be much of a problem. Just a thought.

Same tires on the same axle......

So are you saying two goodyears in the front, and two contisports in the back okay?

**audizz a4** · 01-18-2009 10:25 PM

do not do this!!!!! i had a long discussion over on audiforums, i had a problem with this exact thing xcept i used 2 different types of falken tires the ze512 and ze912s same rating etc... created bad body lift and roll.... bad brakeing this is very bad for your quattro system.. buy the same tires as before or replace all four dont cheap out on that its very important

**Overboostin** · 01-18-2009 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by old guy

Won't hurt a thing. Just don't mix them side to side. Front to back mix is OK.

100% true. Just follow that rule and you'll be fine.

**EBG 18T** · 01-19-2009 05:30 AM

you can mix tread patterns of the same size wheel by putting 2 of each pattern on front and 2 rear.

i personally wouldn't do it but to each their own. i would just buy 4 new tires, get an alignment and start fresh.

**thecheda** · 01-19-2009 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by EBG 18T

you can mix tread patterns of the same size wheel by putting 2 of each pattern on front and 2 rear.

i personally wouldn't do it but to each their own. i would just buy 4 new tires, get an alignment and start fresh.

And you and the guy before you, are talking about the quattro system correct?

Just double checking.....

**Capt. Obvious** · 01-19-2009 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Doc.

I know Audi drivetrains are very sensitive, and i was wondering if that mattered.

Actually, it isn't very sensitive. It's a very strong system and it takes a considerable amount of abuse to cause damage to Quattro.

**EBG 18T** · 01-19-2009 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by thecheda

And you and the guy before you, are talking about the quattro system correct?

Just double checking.....

well the quattro is actually pretty tollorant system (as long as the tire size is within ~3% of each other) I just prefer to have the same tire on all 4 corners.