any probs with diff tread front and back tyres?

GAM817 · 03-25-2008

Hi all,

Is there any issue with using different paired types of tyres in the front and back?

I called a place about Good Year F1 GSD3 and they said that the rear 265/35/18s now have a different tread to the front 234/40/18s and that it would cause problems.

myth or fact?

He offered Dunlop Sport Maxx (approx AUD$1800) or Kumho KU31 SPT Ecsta (AUD$1660). My friend has the Kumho's on his Lexus IS250 (235/40/18 all around) and said they're superb in the wet (for him). But $1660 sounds a bit much.. anyone else in Australia have experience with these?

-G

**nevets** · 03-25-2008

Something sounds off in your post. Am I to understand different sizes of the same tire have different tread patterns? or is it that they are different model years, etc....nonetheless, IMO whether it did or didn't create a problem I would never mix and match tires....looks hokey

**DansSlk** · 03-25-2008

I don't understand it either sorry.

The Eagle F1 DS-D3 has always been the same, in fact its a bloody awesome tire so i doubt they would even think about changing it.

And since you don't get front and rear tires as such (certain sizes are normally used on the front but are just as happy on the back and vice versa) it sounds to me like he has too much stock of certain tires and wants to get rid of them.

About mixing on different axles, it is permitted to have a different tread pattern on the front and rear axles but both sides of an axle must have the same tire.

That being said it is NOT recommended, its like running your car on the minimum grade fuel allowed your not causing it to go bang but your not doing it any favors and it will bite you over time.

Damo320 · 03-25-2008

I've got Kumho's on the front of my SLK and I hate the way they aquaplane in heavy rain, can't wait for them to wear out so I can replace them!!!!! A collegue had them on the front of his ford fiesta and noticed that they do the same as mine and I've read a few reviews that reiterate what I have found with them so I am surprised your friend with the Lexus thinks they are ok.

GAM817 · 03-25-2008

Sorry for the confusion all.

Yes, different size of the same model tyres supposedly has different tread patterns. i.e. the 235/40/18 vs 265/35/18.

I can't imagine this being the case as it sounds strange to me too. Why would GoodYear use a different tread for their 235s vs their 265.

Damo320, what Kumhos do you have?

**DansSlk** · 03-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAM817

I can't imagine this being the case as it sounds strange to me too. Why would GoodYear use a different tread for their 235s vs their 265.

Yeah exactly, its not true.

Damo320 · 03-26-2008

GAM817 - my front tyres are the Kumho KU31 SPT Ecsta (not my choice) and I have Michelin Pilot Sports on the rear. The Kumho grip pretty well in the dry but I have had a few scares with them aquaplaning (I was behind a friend recently who didn't have aquaplane at all when mine was skating all over) so I have lost confidence in them when it is raining. But the are quieter that the Michelins.

From the reviews I have read I am looking at either Goodyear (Eagle F1 or Hydragrip) or Vredestein Sportrac3 at the moment, depending on what price i can get them for.

03-25-2008	#1 (permalink)
GAM817 SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	any probs with diff tread front and back tyres? Hi all, Is there any issue with using different paired types of tyres in the front and back? I called a place about Good Year F1 GSD3 and they said that the rear 265/35/18s now have a different tread to the front 234/40/18s and that it would cause problems. myth or fact? He offered Dunlop Sport Maxx (approx AUD$1800) or Kumho KU31 SPT Ecsta (AUD$1660). My friend has the Kumho's on his Lexus IS250 (235/40/18 all around) and said they're superb in the wet (for him). But $1660 sounds a bit much.. anyone else in Australia have experience with these? -G
	http://www.slkworld.com/

03-25-2008	#2 (permalink)
nevets Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Iridium Silver Other Toys: 07 Infiniti M35x, 08 Infinity QX56, 2002 Honda Shadow ACE 750, Maxum SR 1800, Posts: 419 Country: Thanks: 16 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Something sounds off in your post. Am I to understand different sizes of the same tire have different tread patterns? or is it that they are different model years, etc....nonetheless, IMO whether it did or didn't create a problem I would never mix and match tires....looks hokey __________________ Steven *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* 06 SLK 350, Iridium Silver, Blk Int, Chrome Trims, AMG Body, Aerowings,Wide Base Tire Flares (Thx CDRN) Green Filters, Filled Sidemarkers, Painted Ant, Komfort Module (Thks NR4L) Rear Spoiler - Piecha, Brabus springs, R170Moded Ant, 19" TSW Bremma, Mich PS2

03-25-2008	#3 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,382 Country: Thanks: 83 Thanked 121 Times in 95 Posts	I don't understand it either sorry. The Eagle F1 DS-D3 has always been the same, in fact its a bloody awesome tire so i doubt they would even think about changing it. And since you don't get front and rear tires as such (certain sizes are normally used on the front but are just as happy on the back and vice versa) it sounds to me like he has too much stock of certain tires and wants to get rid of them. About mixing on different axles, it is permitted to have a different tread pattern on the front and rear axles but both sides of an axle must have the same tire. That being said it is NOT recommended, its like running your car on the minimum grade fuel allowed your not causing it to go bang but your not doing it any favors and it will bite you over time. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

03-25-2008	#4 (permalink)
Damo320 SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Vehicle: 2001 SLK 320 Other Toys: 1968 Triumph Spitfire Mk3 (in bits!) Posts: 18 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've got Kumho's on the front of my SLK and I hate the way they aquaplane in heavy rain, can't wait for them to wear out so I can replace them!!!!! A collegue had them on the front of his ford fiesta and noticed that they do the same as mine and I've read a few reviews that reiterate what I have found with them so I am surprised your friend with the Lexus thinks they are ok.

03-25-2008	#5 (permalink)
GAM817 SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 7 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sorry for the confusion all. Yes, different size of the same model tyres supposedly has different tread patterns. i.e. the 235/40/18 vs 265/35/18. I can't imagine this being the case as it sounds strange to me too. Why would GoodYear use a different tread for their 235s vs their 265. Damo320, what Kumhos do you have?

03-26-2008	#7 (permalink)
Damo320 SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Vehicle: 2001 SLK 320 Other Toys: 1968 Triumph Spitfire Mk3 (in bits!) Posts: 18 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	GAM817 - my front tyres are the Kumho KU31 SPT Ecsta (not my choice) and I have Michelin Pilot Sports on the rear. The Kumho grip pretty well in the dry but I have had a few scares with them aquaplaning (I was behind a friend recently who didn't have aquaplane at all when mine was skating all over) so I have lost confidence in them when it is raining. But the are quieter that the Michelins. From the reviews I have read I am looking at either Goodyear (Eagle F1 or Hydragrip) or Vredestein Sportrac3 at the moment, depending on what price i can get them for.

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