I just purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry SE with 115K. I noticed there was one Michelin tire and the rest BFG's before I purchased, but didn't think anything of it as the Carfax showed a tire had been replaced about 3 months ago. After bringing the car home, I looked closer at the tires and noticed the Michelin is a 205/60/16, whereas the other tires are 215/60/16 which is the correct OEM size. The BFG's have about 10K miles tread left. Should I go ahead and replace them all now? Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
Mismatched tire size question
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Originally Posted By: cwing6
I just purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry SE with 115K. I noticed there was one Michelin tire and the rest BFG's before I purchased, but didn't think anything of it as the Carfax showed a tire had been replaced about 3 months ago. After bringing the car home, I looked closer at the tires and noticed the Michelin is a 205/60/16, whereas the other tires are 215/60/16 which is the correct OEM size. The BFG's have about 10K miles tread left. Should I go ahead and replace them all now? Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
It won't hurt anything. What you do want to check is the age of the tires as well as the condition - are they cracked or starting to split? If they're in good shape, I would run them till they're ready to replace. If it really bothers you, measure them with a measuring tape. Sometimes you'll discover that one brands "215/60/16" isn't the same size as another brand of "210/60/16". They might actually be closer than you think.
I just purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry SE with 115K. I noticed there was one Michelin tire and the rest BFG's before I purchased, but didn't think anything of it as the Carfax showed a tire had been replaced about 3 months ago. After bringing the car home, I looked closer at the tires and noticed the Michelin is a 205/60/16, whereas the other tires are 215/60/16 which is the correct OEM size. The BFG's have about 10K miles tread left. Should I go ahead and replace them all now? Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
It won't hurt anything. What you do want to check is the age of the tires as well as the condition - are they cracked or starting to split? If they're in good shape, I would run them till they're ready to replace. If it really bothers you, measure them with a measuring tape. Sometimes you'll discover that one brands "215/60/16" isn't the same size as another brand of "210/60/16". They might actually be closer than you think.
(sorry, meant to say "216/60/16 verses 216/60/16)
Originally Posted By: cwing6
Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
It's a major no-no to have mismatched tires on the same axle. You're negatively affecting the car's handling. If you happen to cause an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay out if they find out you had mismatched tires. Personally, I'd get it corrected ASAP, but that's just me.
Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
It's a major no-no to have mismatched tires on the same axle. You're negatively affecting the car's handling. If you happen to cause an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay out if they find out you had mismatched tires. Personally, I'd get it corrected ASAP, but that's just me.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: cwing6
Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
It's a major no-no to have mismatched tires on the same axle. You're negatively affecting the car's handling. If you happen to cause an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay out if they find out you had mismatched tires. Personally, I'd get it corrected ASAP, but that's just me.
+1 true. happened to a friend of mine. Cost him $2500 to repair his own car when he lost control in the rain and hit a guard rail. Allstate said no. Can you flip the smaller tire to the spare?
Originally Posted By: cwing6
Will it damage anything to leave the tires "as is" for another 10K? Its FWD and the mismatched tire is on the rear.
It's a major no-no to have mismatched tires on the same axle. You're negatively affecting the car's handling. If you happen to cause an accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay out if they find out you had mismatched tires. Personally, I'd get it corrected ASAP, but that's just me.
+1 true. happened to a friend of mine. Cost him $2500 to repair his own car when he lost control in the rain and hit a guard rail. Allstate said no. Can you flip the smaller tire to the spare?
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^ +1, get that tire off asap. Anti lock braking system WILL be affected!
Your wheel speed sensors will see one tire spinning slower than the other 3 tires. It will sense that tire locking up faster, and in an extreme case can cause your ABS modulator to react improperly causing loss of control.
This will affect your ABS operation, and will put you at fault during an accident.
As you buy a wider tire, but keep the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, you do change the overall size of the tire. You end up with a larger tire.
ONE larger tire. Bad news. Ditch it fast.
This will affect your ABS operation, and will put you at fault during an accident.
As you buy a wider tire, but keep the same aspect ratio and rim diameter, you do change the overall size of the tire. You end up with a larger tire.
ONE larger tire. Bad news. Ditch it fast.
I appreciate all the great advice from everyone. Follow-up question: as noted, the mismatched tire is smaller than the other tires (205/60 vs. 215/60). However, the 215 tires have 30K miles on them while the 205 is under 5K. Wouldn't this fact offset much of the difference in size? Also, if I just replace this one tire with a new 215/60 tire, wouldn't that tire be larger than the 215's with 30K miles, so I am back to a similar issue?
Originally Posted By: cwing6
the mismatched tire is smaller than the other tires (205/60 vs. 215/60). However, the 215 tires have 30K miles on them while the 205 is under 5K. Wouldn't this fact offset much of the difference in size?
Maybe to some extent, but it's anyone's guess as far as how much/to what extent.
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Also, if I just replace this one tire with a new 215/60 tire, wouldn't that tire be larger than the 215's with 30K miles, so I am back to a similar issue?
My suggestion was to just get 4 brand new tires.
If the current tires still have some life left in them, sell them on craigslist to help you offset the cost of new tires a little.
the mismatched tire is smaller than the other tires (205/60 vs. 215/60). However, the 215 tires have 30K miles on them while the 205 is under 5K. Wouldn't this fact offset much of the difference in size?
Maybe to some extent, but it's anyone's guess as far as how much/to what extent.
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Also, if I just replace this one tire with a new 215/60 tire, wouldn't that tire be larger than the 215's with 30K miles, so I am back to a similar issue?
My suggestion was to just get 4 brand new tires.
If the current tires still have some life left in them, sell them on craigslist to help you offset the cost of new tires a little.
OK, so only do this on the rear wheels of a front wheel drive car that has no ABS or disable the ABS??
If this is such a bad thing, then won't using the emergency spare cause the same problem?
If this is such a bad thing, then won't using the emergency spare cause the same problem?
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
If this is such a bad thing, then won't using the emergency spare cause the same problem?
Isn't the emergency spare supposed to have the same outer diameter as your primary tires?
In any case, it's called "emergency" for a reason, meaning, to be only used to help you get to the nearest tire repair shop. OP was planning to run it for 10K miles.
If this is such a bad thing, then won't using the emergency spare cause the same problem?
Isn't the emergency spare supposed to have the same outer diameter as your primary tires?
In any case, it's called "emergency" for a reason, meaning, to be only used to help you get to the nearest tire repair shop. OP was planning to run it for 10K miles.
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
OK, so only do this on the rear wheels of a front wheel drive car that has no ABS or disable the ABS??
If this is such a bad thing, then won't using the emergency spare cause the same problem?
My thoughts exactly. While not trying to start a fight, I have a hard time believing that a major car company would willing knowingly endanger anyone risking a major lawsuit by including the tiny "donut" spare if this is such a huge danger. Remember, I'm from the old school and have run different size tires even on the same drive axle, but you all are probably right about it being a bad thing.
OK, so only do this on the rear wheels of a front wheel drive car that has no ABS or disable the ABS??
If this is such a bad thing, then won't using the emergency spare cause the same problem?
My thoughts exactly. While not trying to start a fight, I have a hard time believing that a major car company would willing knowingly endanger anyone risking a major lawsuit by including the tiny "donut" spare if this is such a huge danger. Remember, I'm from the old school and have run different size tires even on the same drive axle, but you all are probably right about it being a bad thing.
Likewise about the insurance issue, if this is a "spare tire," and driver gets into an accident, does the insurance company then saddle driver with repairs because he or she was driving on a spare?
Originally Posted By: GreeCguy
I have a hard time believing that a major car company would willing knowingly endanger anyone risking a major lawsuit by including the tiny "donut" spare if this is such a huge danger.
Again, there are some major caveats around using a temporary spare. First, the manufacturer tells you that you should not use it for more than 50 miles, and that you should not drive faster than 50 mph on it. To me, it did not sound like the OP was going to comply with either one of these requirements.
I have a hard time believing that a major car company would willing knowingly endanger anyone risking a major lawsuit by including the tiny "donut" spare if this is such a huge danger.
Again, there are some major caveats around using a temporary spare. First, the manufacturer tells you that you should not use it for more than 50 miles, and that you should not drive faster than 50 mph on it. To me, it did not sound like the OP was going to comply with either one of these requirements.
A couple of thoughts:
The mini-spare? The vehicle was tested using the mini-spare, so it is known quantity. It's also for temporary use - and that means the driver is aware he has a situation and needs to adapt to it. Those 2 items takes the issue of the mini-spare off the table from a legal perspective.
Originally Posted By: Doog
...... happened to a friend of mine. Cost him $2500 to repair his own car when he lost control in the rain and hit a guard rail. Allstate said no. Can you flip the smaller tire to the spare?
I find this very interesting. Many folks have expressed the opinion that this could happen and have been challenged to find an example - and here is one.
The mini-spare? The vehicle was tested using the mini-spare, so it is known quantity. It's also for temporary use - and that means the driver is aware he has a situation and needs to adapt to it. Those 2 items takes the issue of the mini-spare off the table from a legal perspective.
Originally Posted By: Doog
...... happened to a friend of mine. Cost him $2500 to repair his own car when he lost control in the rain and hit a guard rail. Allstate said no. Can you flip the smaller tire to the spare?
I find this very interesting. Many folks have expressed the opinion that this could happen and have been challenged to find an example - and here is one.
only .4" difference not much unless even with added wear of one tire unless on an AWD! subaru tells you NOT to install temp spare on front wheels also remove fuse to make it a FWD, said to be in owners manual so their covered if the AWD $$$ is damaged!! bigger tires usually heavier but BFG only lists 1 lb diff depending on tire types also
easy answer replace all 4.. and upgrade to better tires.
possibly go back to who sold it to you and complain. maybe they will pay for 1 tire. Pocket that money and put it towards 4 new ones.
The fault is your own. I wouldnt buy a car with mismatched wear on the same axle let alone 2 different tire sizes..
If you cant tell that maybe a prepurchase inspection should have been done?
possibly go back to who sold it to you and complain. maybe they will pay for 1 tire. Pocket that money and put it towards 4 new ones.
The fault is your own. I wouldnt buy a car with mismatched wear on the same axle let alone 2 different tire sizes..
If you cant tell that maybe a prepurchase inspection should have been done?
This looks like a lot of "you could get struck by lightning" answers.
First, if the Michelin is nearly new, then it likely has much more traction in the rain then the other tires....having it on the rear certainly makes it more stable. The rear ---when not heavily packed....is also much lighter and the very slightly lower load rating is also not an issue. ABS systems do not go nuts with very minor differences in wheel rpm....if they did you would fly out of control on every curve and corner when you touch the brakes.
You have 10 k left on the BF Goodrich's?? Run em a while, then take advantage of their remaining life by shopping early. The best tire deals almost ALWAYS occurs when you have time to check out tire sales.
OK, a short anecdote. I recently rode with a friend on about a 100 mile trip in the rain
in a Corvette. Big V rated tires in the front, bigger ones in the rear.
Now, this is the vehicle that people should be worrying about!! At one point I suggested that we should cover the entire vehicle in reflective tape......since it was clear that it would rather swap ends then go straight!!
First, if the Michelin is nearly new, then it likely has much more traction in the rain then the other tires....having it on the rear certainly makes it more stable. The rear ---when not heavily packed....is also much lighter and the very slightly lower load rating is also not an issue. ABS systems do not go nuts with very minor differences in wheel rpm....if they did you would fly out of control on every curve and corner when you touch the brakes.
You have 10 k left on the BF Goodrich's?? Run em a while, then take advantage of their remaining life by shopping early. The best tire deals almost ALWAYS occurs when you have time to check out tire sales.
OK, a short anecdote. I recently rode with a friend on about a 100 mile trip in the rain
in a Corvette. Big V rated tires in the front, bigger ones in the rear.
Now, this is the vehicle that people should be worrying about!! At one point I suggested that we should cover the entire vehicle in reflective tape......since it was clear that it would rather swap ends then go straight!!
From the point of safety, getting 4 new tires would be best. But the practical guy in me says it won't hurt if you measure the actual circumference of all the tires with a measuring tape first before deciding your course of action. The BFGs would be pretty worn down by now from their original tread thickness. The newer but smaller Michelin might actually be acceptable since it would have relatively more rubber tread thickness left. If its circumference were less than half an inch than the other 3, I'd run them.
It's not just about tire circumfrence!
There are 3 tires of one size and one tire of a different size.
Three of the tires have one Load Index and one has a different Load Index.
Are all four tires inflated to the same Tire Pressure? If they are, then significant handling problems could arise due to the different Load Limits of the different-sized tires.
Please, bite the bullet and put 4 tires of the same size on your car.
There are 3 tires of one size and one tire of a different size.
Three of the tires have one Load Index and one has a different Load Index.
Are all four tires inflated to the same Tire Pressure? If they are, then significant handling problems could arise due to the different Load Limits of the different-sized tires.
Please, bite the bullet and put 4 tires of the same size on your car.
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