[bigjay]

I don't know why I didn't notice this sooner, but my front driver side tire is a different make than the other 3. The tread pattern and wear is visually similar, and all are M+S rated, but I know this isn't doing good things for the car. I've put 3k miles on them since buying the car, and I have no idea how far the previous owner drove on them. What damage have I potentially done? What do I need to watch for over the next few months/years as a result?

Needless to say, I plan to pick up a set of 5 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S, 215/65/16 tires next week (guilt-free, now that I have a good excuse). These will be on year round, mostly on pavement but hopefully an increasing number of off-road miles. Can anyone tell me how handling on snow/ice will compare to all-season M+S tires? I realize that snow tires are ideal, but we don't get enough snow in the Front Range for me to justify having a dedicated set of snows. Thanks for all the help!

 

[flstffxe]

What tire and model of tires. If the tread is visually similar there is a chance the tires may just be a rebrand. IE Firestone makes the winter force with their branding, they also sell a off brand winter force with out the firestone logo.

 

[bigjay]

3 are Hankook Mileage Plus II (215/60/16), and the front driver side tire is a Multi-Mile Matrix (215/60/16).

 

[flstffxe]

Ruins my hope for you on a rebrand.

Get a matching set.

 

[bigjay]

Yokohama Geolander A/T-S on order...this made for a good excuse to bump this purchase up on the mod list.

 

[frogstar7055]

Yokohama Geolander A/T-S on order...the made for a good excuse to bump this purchase up on the mod list.

Good tires,I love mine and would buy again.

 

[bigjay]

Any thoughts as to whether the 3k +? miles on mismatched tires have done any damage to the differentials?

 

[what huh]

Any thoughts as to whether the 3k +? miles on mismatched tires have done any damage to the differentials?

i would say no damage, even subaru a says anything less then 1/8 inch difference is fine. But ordering a matching set is good regardless, it also gives you piece of mind

 

[bigjay]

Geolanders are mounted! One question for all of you who do a five tire rotation though...if I buy a matching Subaru steel silver rim to replace the stock black spare rim, how well does it fit in the spare well? I assume the round storage tray no longer fits? Where is the best place to buy one rim?