Problems with different sized tires?

[Evil Jeff]

So, I blew a sidewall tonight. Boo.

The tires only have like 7500-10k miles on them. I've heard in the past that different sized tires (like mixing new and used) can cause you to start breaking stuff in the drive train. Any truth to this? Obviously, I don't want to buy a brand new set of tires after only 7mos or so.

[Gearhead Geek]

Keep them all the same or you WILL break things. Same thing on FWD or RWD, the tires on the driven end need to be the same size.

Oh, and to back that up, this is taken directly from (any model) Subaru service manual :)
When replacing a tire, make sure you
use only the same size, construction,
brand, and load range as the original tires
listed on the tire placard. Using other sizes,
circumference or construction may result
in severe mechanical damage to the
drive train of your vehicle and may affect
ride, handling, braking, speedometer/
odometer calibration, and clearance between
the body and tires. It also may be
dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control.
If you use a temporary spare tire to replace
a flat tire, be sure to use the original
temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle.
Using other sizes may result in severe
mechanical damage to the drive train of
your vehicle.And
You must install four winter tires
that are of the same size, construction,
brand, and load range.
Mixing other sizes or constructions
may result in severe mechanical
damage to the drive train
of your vehicle and may affect
ride, handling, braking and speedometer/
odometer calibration. It
also may be dangerous and lead
to loss of vehicle control.

[Evil Jeff]

I don't think that came out right. Obviously, I'm not going to get a different sized tire. I'm going to get the exact tire I have now. But, will the difference in size of the brand new tire vs. the worn one cause me any problems?

[Psychoreo]

How worn are they?

[Joe]

Yea, you are allowed a certian difference, like 2/32 or something. If its worn a lot i think tire rack can shave the new one for you.

[Evil Jeff]

Unfortunately, Tire Rack doesn't carry my tires any more, and I really can't wait however long it would take to ship. I did find this nice tidbit though:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=18

So I went to the dealer I bought them from this morning, and I should have a replacement Monday. Problem is, they we a bit older than I thought. The two rears have 8/32 left, but my front right is only 6-7/32 left. So now I either need to either find some where local to shave the new one, which I'm having no luck with, or buy a second new tire.

I'm leaning towards a second new tire.

[Antihero]

Ok hold on.

All you need is one tire, although buying two wouldn't hurt.

The factory spec is 2/32nds difference. Whereas your rears are at 8, and the new one (or two) you buy will be @ 10/32nds new, you should be fine.

Don't go shaving **** you done need to.

Now go, get tires and may the force me with you.



(<----Subaru Tech :) )

[Evil Jeff]

Ok hold on.

All you need is one tire, although buying two wouldn't hurt.

The factory spec is 2/32nds difference. Whereas your rears are at 8, and the new one (or two) you buy will be @ 10/32nds new, you should be fine.

Don't go shaving **** you done need to.

Now go, get tires and may the force me with you.



(<----Subaru Tech :) )


Right, I get all that. But if I only get one new one, and don't do anything to it, that'll be 3/32-4/32 difference between the front two.

[Antihero]

you'll be right on the line and probably ok. however your car will pull to whatever side has the new tire in the front so I would rotate them to the back if that's the path you choose.

[Bu11dogg2]

3/32nds is the general rule.

Troll cragislist and nasioc for a used tire :)

[rieso]

Hi,
Tire sizes express the tire’s various measurements in a standardized format written on the side of the tire, also called the sidewall. The three measurements included in all tire sizes are section width,aspect ratio and diameter. Depending on their intended use, some tire sizes also include information such as speed rating.

car accessories (http://www.chinabuye.com/car-accessories/car-gadgets)

[Seraphinwolf]

Yeah you didn't help answer his question about it's effects on drivetrain component wear. Well structured statement though. Welcome aboard however.

[98Wagoon]

:spin:

[squeethebee]

Yeah you didn't help answer his question about it's effects on drivetrain component wear. Well structured statement though. Welcome aboard however.

Yeah, that's called spam...

ed

[98Wagoon]

just saw the URL for his link. def spam. SPAM SPAM SPAM AND SPAM!

[Seraphinwolf]

Ah. Didn't even bother touching that link...

[squeethebee]

Yeah, me neither. Wish I could delete the post, but SOMEONE doesn't have super mod status.....

ed

[Seraphinwolf]

You can edit can't you? Or only Eric or a Super Mod can?
/off topic

To make post legit

Only run different sized tires if you want to go for a "custom" front or rear wheel drive mode explosion. :lol: AKA You WILL blow of one of your differentials.