Driving 4wd with odd tyres

marlot

britishboy wrote: »

Im kinda swaying with the majority here, you make a lot of sense. Also, if it was really that bad and not the done thing, surely you would ALWAYS get a full sized spare with every 4 wheel drive car???

Depends on the type of diff. But yes, I did with mine.

And the manual explicitly warns not to use tyres with different tread patterns or sizes.

But mine is a fulltime 4x4, not one with an electronic clutch.

daveyjp

My full time 4wd has a skinny spare, but like all skinny spares it is only to be used to get you far enough to have the tyre replaced.

If extended running is anticipated the car should be recovered to avoid damage.

The manual also states all four tyres should be the same in every respect and swapped front to back every 6,000 miles to even out wear.

Paradigm

marlot wrote: »

Depends on the type of diff. But yes, I did with mine.

And the manual explicitly warns not to use tyres with different tread patterns or sizes.

But mine is a fulltime 4x4, not one with an electronic clutch.

So a 4x4 manufacturer is saying that not only different sizes but different tread patterns are potentially damaging? This is despite the fact that on slippery surfaces they may have substantially more/less grip on each wheel, never mind each axle!


Where are you allowed to drive them? A snooker table?

marlot

Paradigm wrote: »

So a 4x4 manufacturer is saying that not only different sizes but different tread patterns are potentially damaging? This is despite the fact that on slippery surfaces they may have substantially more/less grip on each wheel, never mind each axle!

It's the sustained imbalance that causes the differential to work harder and get hot.

Slippery surfaces are great fun, but you're unikely to do 100mph on them.

daveyjp

Its a nice get out for dealers during warranty period time.

"I see you have different tyres, unfortunately we will not be covering damage to the differential"

s_b

your transfer box will wind up and go bang,prepare for a big bill

arcon5

s_b wrote: »

your transfer box will wind up and go bang,prepare for a big bill

LOL

Nodding_Donkey

This is what happens to Range Rovers with silly low profile tyres.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/holidaymaker-gets-100000-range-rover-6193554

Paradigm

s_b wrote: »

your transfer box will wind up and go bang,prepare for a big bill

Really! They're that delicate then? Just WOW.... I don't see how they are run by the average "know nothing" driver.
It must be a constant case of measuring tyre tread before the kids can be taken to school!

Paradigm

Nodding_Donkey wrote: »

This is what happens to Range Rovers with silly low profile tyres.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/holidaymaker-gets-100000-range-rover-6193554

Totally irrelevant to the OPs thread....entertaining though.