KJM3SMG

my rear tires have about 35% thread left while fronts are probably 60%. When I get a new set of rears is it ok to get a different brand?

Say Continentals vs Michelins or Pirellis? Since the car is AWD (i know it changes from 5/95 power ratio F/R to 40/60), will it not matter much or more?

Thanks in advance!

wross996tt

By OK what exactly do you mean? It is certainly legal. I have heard both sides of this on many other posts. Some will swear it is bad, others say they have done it with no problem. I think there are a number of factors to consider...like how you drive, where you drive, what kind of a ride do you want, do you have any performance mods, etc... Why do you want to change? Are you unhappy with the current ride? I, for one, would change out all of my tires if I wanted to try a different brand. I also would change all of the rubber at the same time (I think the rubber wears/rides differently as it wears). But that's just me!

Joe Weinstein

For most practical purposes I don't think there is any
harm in mixing tire brands front to back if the tires are
all in good condition, except that you are responsible
to ensure that the rolling diameters are as close to
equal as possible. This is done (only) by referring to
the manufacturer's tire spec sheets.
Different tires do behave differently, but not so much
as to make a dangerous handling condition under track
conditions, and maybe not even noticable under normal
driving conditions if they are all in good condition and
at their recommended pressures.
My 2 cents...
Joe Weinstein

KJM3SMG

I guess my question is.. how much of a factor is diff. tire brands vs the wear of the tires.. btw my % are guesses. If I have 70% thread left at front and need new rears, I certainly am not going to change all 4.

But 70% brand A thread at front vs 100% brand B, is the brand the bigger factor or the % thread?

OK as in "doable" for light track duty.. and of course daily driving. Light track duty as in just newbie Driver Events.

Thanks!

t urbo

If you are going to be doing high speeds its a big no no. Casual driving is fine but remember your insurance may not cover you if you mix tyres as porsche also say its a no go.

Phil

Just go buy a mixed set of re-treads. Much cheaper than anything new......

Dr. T

Woodster

I have 1999 bridgestone s02's on the front of my 993tt. I have 2004 So2's on the rear.
I am changing the fronts due to "checking" and small cracks in rubber between the treads,
I am going to the So3 Pole Position for the fronts now and when my rears wear out
(probably by summer's end) I will change the Rears to So3 pole position. I like the look
and performance of the So3's better (and so did Viken!).
mk

JS

If you can afford a Porsche you can afford to buy 4 matching tires for it, One thing you dont do is neglect tires or brakes. I dont even know why this is in question.

Phil

PLEASE show me where Viken "liked" S03s? ..............

KJM3SMG

I am now sure about matching the brand/type (hence I asked).. but I don't see why I'd get 4 new tires when just the rears need them. That's just wasteful.

ebaker

Try it and see. I will probably be fine. Be cautious the first few times you press it, especially in the rain. If it feels bad get new front ones too.

arenared

I would agree with those who say try it and see. Worst case, you replace the remaining 2 anyway. Make sure you have someplace safe and you know what your doing when you first try the mixed set out. Go easy at first since the new ones will take a few miles to break in anyway.

rbcsaver

The tire circumference on AWD vehicles must be within tolerences otherwise you have the real risk of
ruining your differential. Tires of the same size, from different manufacturers have different circumferences. Not all 245/50/16s are alike. In addition, 40% remaing tred on the fronts would be too different in rolling diameter from new ones of the same brand on rear of the. Don't know what year your996 is but you would probably void your warranty for drive train. Did you read the owner's manual?
Your plan is not a good one.
regards,
Steve

Phil

It may not be a good plan. BUT think of all the MONEY he will save!....Its all about saving MONEY on a 90k+ car, right? Like I said above....Get some re-treads..