Tire Mixing Basics: Can You Mix New and Old Tires?

What do you do when you need to replace one or two tires instead of all four? Tire mixing can affect your vehicle’s handling, traction and performance, so it’s important to understand how and when to mix tires, or if it’s better to replace the full set.

In general, your tires should match:

• Tire size
• Load carrying capacity
• Construction
• Tread pattern and tire type

The only common exception is vehicles with staggered fitments, which use different tire sizes on front and rear axles.

SHOP NEW TIRES

CAN YOU MIX TIRES?

Yes, in some situations you can mix tires, but you must match them as closely as possible for safe and predictable handling.

If you are replacing fewer than four tires:

• Use the same tire brand and model, if possible
• Match tire size, load capacity, speed rating and construction
• Avoid mixing dramatically different tread patterns or tire types
• Install new tires on the rear axle if replacing only two tires

Using tires with major differences in size or performance characteristics can lead to poor handling and unsafe driving conditions.

Often, replacing all four tires is the best option for optimal, safe performance.

WHY MATCHING TIRES MATTERS

Tires can wear differently depending on driving habits, road conditions and vehicle alignment. While one or two tires may need replacement before the others, replacing all four is often the best way to maintain consistent handling and performance.

Replacing the full set of tires also gives you more replacement options and helps keep traction balanced across the whole vehicle.

REPLACING ONLY TWO TIRES

When replacing only two tires, install the new tires on the rear axle.

This helps maintain more reliable traction in wet conditions and improves overall vehicle stability.

If possible, use the same tire model as the remaining pair. If the exact tire is unavailable, then match the:

• Tire size
• Load capacity
• Speed rating
• Construction and tire type

When you replace two tires at Discount Tire, we automatically put your new tires on your rear axle and rotate your older ones to the front, unless they’re brand new. You will see the rotation listed as a line item on your invoice.

DISCOUNT TIRE ROTATION

REPLACING ONLY ONE TIRE

You can replace only one tire on your vehicle, but it’s often not recommended.

This is because:

1. Differences in wear can affect performance, including traction and braking, vehicle handling, ride comfort and stability.
2. Vehicle computer systems may have trouble reading your tires if one is noticeably different from the rest.

Some vehicle manufacturers specifically recommend, or even restrict, replacing fewer than four tires.

If you must replace only one tire:

• Check your owner’s manual to make sure it’s okay to replace only one tire
• Place the new tire according to your drivetrain

Drivetrain types:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD): pair the new tire with the tire that has the deepest tread depth, then mount both on the rear axle.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD): mount the replacement wherever the damaged tire sat, provided the remaining tires are still within safe tread depth.

Generally, if your remaining tires are newer or have very little wear, replacing one tire is probably okay. Discount Tire experts will examine all your tires and always recommend the safest option possible.

MIXING WINTER TIRES

You should not mix winter tires with non-winter tires.

SHOP WINTER TIRES

Winter tires are designed to provide traction in severe cold conditions, not just wet, snowy and icy conditions. Non-winter tires, such as all-season tires, do not work as well as winter tires do in winter conditions. Mixing winter and non-winter tires creates an imbalance in traction that increases the risk of losing control in winter conditions.

Want to know which drivetrain works best in snow? Check out what wheel drive is best in snow.

Discount Tire strongly recommends you install four winter tires, regardless of the type of vehicle or drivetrain you have.

MIXING RUN-FLAT TIRES

Do not mix run-flat tires with non-run-flat tires.

SHOP RUN-FLAT TIRES

Run-flat tires use reinforced sidewalls and have a different driving feel than standard tires. Mixing them with non-run-flat tires can reduce ride stability. Plus, because non-run-flat tires are more vulnerable to leaks and punctures, mixing them cancels out the run-flat benefit. You can become stranded with one or more damaged non-run-flat tires in an emergency.

MIXING TIRES ON AWD & 4WD VEHICLES

Mixing tires on all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles is tricky because they are especially sensitive to tire differences.

It is highly recommended to replace all four tires on AWD and 4WD vehicles.

Large differences in tread depth between old and new tires can potentially cause mechanical damage.

You should not mix different tire types, such as all-season and all-terrain, as this can aggravate mechanical issues or cause uneven traction, imbalance, or reduced braking and traction, especially in wet conditions. This is especially true in AWD vehicles where different tread patterns can over-activate the all-wheel drive function and potentially damage the system.

You may be able to replace a single tire if the remaining tires are within a safe tread depth range compared to the new tire. Check your owner’s manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer for acceptable tread differences.

When mixing tires on an AWD or 4WD vehicle, match the:

• Tire size
• Load capacity
• Speed rating
• Construction and tire type

FAQ