will different brands of tyres matter

longwalks1

We have a front wheel drive Audi and I need to replace 1 front tyre (damaged), the other front tyre is almost new, but that brand/part number cost double what I'd usually pay (was given both of them)


Can I replace the damaged tyre with the same size, but a different brand? Will it make much, if any, difference?

molerat

You should ideally have both tyres across an axle the same especially so of front drive tyres. Many years ago when I replaced my front tyres with the unused one from the boot and one new one the exact same but a few years newer the handling was affected with a noticeable pull to one side.

neilmcl

As above, I'd stump up for the same tyre as you really want matching pairs on an axle. Having said that you're not going to fall off the road if you don't. Your choice.

Bigphil1474

Op, do you have a spare? If so, can you reorganise the 5 tyres so that the front pair match, or even with the existing 3 and one new one, can you match them. Might be a faff. Personally, I wouldn't be too bothered but I drive a 10 year old Fiesta and have low expectations of life.

Joe_Horner

Usually you won't notice the difference if you drive anything like appropriately for a public road but, occasionally, different tyres won't like playing together, especially on the steering axle.

If they do disagree with each other then swap back - front.

almillar

If your car is on PCP or hire and you're planning to hand it back, better to keep them matched, in case they object to it. Arguing the tyre is the same spec isn't necessary if it's literally the same tyre.

jimbo6977

Don't go to France.

Monsieur Plod could impound your car for having odd tyres across the axle (although I have driven several thousand miles in France in a car that was worth less than the cost of matching up the tyres, and never got any hassle).

knightstyle

Re above, it is a condition of the French CT, their MOT that the tyres on the same axle should be the same make and model. they also check they are the correct size for the car, I had to change two that were too narrow on a car I bought.

sevenhills

britishboy wrote: »

Can I replace the damaged tyre with the same size, but a different brand? Will it make much, if any, difference?

I don't believe it will make any difference. I assume you have the spare tyre on there now, can you tell the difference?

sevenhills

knightstyle wrote: »

Re above, it is a condition of the French CT, their MOT that the tyres on the same axle should be the same make and model. they also check they are the correct size for the car, I had to change two that were too narrow on a car I bought.

Not related to the OPs issue of different brand, yours were actually a different size. :eek::eek::eek:

jimbo6977

i run 225mm summer tyres and 215mm snow tyres in winter and there's no way a cop would know or care whether they are oem size. they are the same size and brand all around for each season though.