Technology

Mixing of tyres

What you should know about mixing tyres on your vehicle.

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In order to achieve optimal driving characteristics Continental recommends that the same tyres are fitted on all wheel positions of your vehicle. In other words tyres of the same brand, tread pattern tyre size, load index and speed symbol should be fitted all round. Especially important is that the tyre size load, index and speed symbol are in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for all wheel positions. In many countries, this is a legal requirement. Driving your vehicle with a non-recommended mix of tyre sizes, constructions, and speed ratings can be dangerous and illegal. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and/or seek the advice from a trained tyre specialist if you consider upgrading your tyres with different sizes, constructions, load ratings or speed ratings.

Why is tyre rotation beneficial?

To achieve uniform wear and to maximize tread life, your tyres should be regularly rotated. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the rotation pattern and interval. Unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer, Continental recommends to rotate the wheels axle-wise at regular intervals. Mileage intervals of between 5000 km and 10000km is a good indicator of how often this should be done. If tyres start to show uneven tread wear, see a professional tyre retailer or your car dealership as soon as possible to check and/or correct any vehicle wheel misalignment or other mechanical problem.

Full-size spare tyres (not temporary spares) of the same size and construction as the ground contact tyres should be included in the tyre rotation. Always check and adjust the inflation pressure of the full-size spare when incorporating it into rotation. However on moden day high performance cars it should be noted that putting a tyre with full tread depth on the car, while the remaining 3 tyres have been used to a moderate extent, could effect your vehicles mechanical performance. Always consult your vehicle handbook or car dealership to understand the effect of putting a new tyre with a worn tyre on the same axle.

Adjust the tyre inflation pressures according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the new wheel position (specified front and rear position tyre pressures may be different).

Can I mix different tyre brands and different tread patterns on my vehicle?

We recommend that the same tyres are fitted on all wheel positions of your vehicle. If however, due to availability or economical considerations, mixing is necessary then it is permissible to mix brands and tread patterns as long as the same tread patterns and brands are fitted across the same axle.

It may also be possible to mix load index and speed symbol as long as the load index and speed symbols are above the minimum vehicle manufactures recommendations (extra load vs. standard load). In such cases the higher rated tyres should be fitted on the rear axle.

Can different tread pattern depths be mixed?

If it is decided to only replace 2 tyres on your vehicle then the new tyres will probably have more tread depth, than those remaining on the vehicle.

Mixing of different tread depths is generally permissible, however in the case of modern day high performance cars it is recommended to seek the advice from your car dealership to ensure the mixing of tread pattern depths will not have a negative effect on the electronics and mechanical integrity of the car.

The tyre industry recommends that the new tyres should be fitted onto the rear axle.

Placing greater grip on the rear axle is generally recommended to prevent a possible over steer condition and loss of vehicle stability on slippery surfaces. Some car manufacturers recommend installing the newest tyres on the front axle.

Consult with the car manufacturer and / or tyre specialist for further information.

Exception for approved mix tyre fitments.

Some vehicles may come factory equipped with different size tyres fitted to the front and rear axle. For these approved mix tyre fitments, you should follow the car manufacturer’s recommendation.

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