How important is it to have the exact same tread pattern on tires? (AWD car)

PerfectFinish1 · 03-27-05, 04:06

Hey everyone...

I have an all wheel drive Talon that had a flat tire. I've been told by several people that on AWD, all treadwear must be even, and also that the tread pattern should be the same.

I have Pirelli racing tires on the car. For a full set of new tires (in order to all have the same treadlife) would cost over $650. I can also get 4 cheaper tires, but these Pirelli tires definately are what I want on my car... they grip better than any tire I know of.

I've been searching eBay for weeks, trying to find a USED Pirelli tire of the same size. Finding the exact tire I have now with exactly the same amount of wear will be nearly imposible... and the time to take my car to the track is approaching fast.

So...my question is... if I find a different type of Pirelli tire, that has the same basic design but slightly different tread pattern, should that be alright? (Apparently my tires are kind of rare, and the other Pirelli tires that I could use keep popping up on eBay) Luckily most Pirellis look the same from the sidewall... or at least close enough that people will not be able to tell the tire is miss-matched.

I have probalby 75-80% treadlife remaining on my current tires, so buying 4 new tires just seems like a waste.

White95Max · 03-27-05, 04:10

I would go to TireRack or wherever you bought the tires, and buy one new tire of the same model.

I think people are telling you that you should have the same exact tire on all 4 wheels since you have AWD. The AWD will notice one tire slipping more than the others so you won't have equal power distribution to all 4 wheels.

Best thing to do...order one new tire of the same model.

What model of Pirellis are they?

LouisanaJeeper · 03-27-05, 04:11

get a single new one, same tread pattern
a 10% difference wont matter

a differnt pattern could possiblyeffect steering and braking somewhat

O4cobra · 03-27-05, 04:20

Ok, working for a tire retailer I guess I should have answer for this one!

From what I hear from the local dealers is that as long as the tires are the same size you are OK. That means that if the tire is new, or the tire is worn out, you are ok. But when you change to a totally different size tire, you need to change all 4.

205-55-16 new comes with 11/32= Good
205-55-16 worn out with 2/32= Good

As far as tread pattern making a difference, I don't see that being a problem at all. But then again with all AWD you never know.

I would say see what you can get in that size as close as possible to the tread pattern. A new tire will not cause any AWD issues as long as they are the same tire size!

500th post!

Accumulator · 03-27-05, 04:36

I've had to replace quite a few single tires on AWD vehicles over the years. I've *always* got the same tire. I don't want the AWD system trying to compensate for one wheel's different behavior. It's not just a matter of the tread pattern. Different tires behave differently. Subtle differences can matter. All [INSERT maker name HERE] tires aren't the same.

Find a retailer who has the exact same tires and get one. The difference in tread depth won't matter, not with all the tread remaining on your other ones.

Kanchou · 03-27-05, 04:38

depends on if you think the 200$ savings in tires it worth the potential risk of your differentials.

rjstaaf · 03-27-05, 05:29

Keep in mind that even a difference in air pressure from one side to the other can make a difference in diameter between sides greater than the wear you have. I too have to say, just get a new single of the exact same tire.

PerfectFinish1 · 03-27-05, 06:01

Cool, thanks guys, unless someone proves to me that it will make a difference, what everyone recomended here is exactly what I'll do.

When racing the car at the track, or driving on the street, I definately don't want the risk of handling or braking being effected by different tread patterns.

edit: They are model Pzero Nero in size 225/45/17. They are not in stock...but judging by other sizes they would be about $150-160+ shipping if they were in stock.

White95Max · 03-27-05, 06:16

Are they P Zero Nero (MAX performance) or P Zero Nero M+S (All-season Ultra High Performance)?
I'm thinking about getting the M+S all-seasons for the Protege in 205/45/16. Any comments (if you have the M+S version)?

Speedwagon · 03-27-05, 06:29

I'm not particularly familiar with the Mitsubishi AWD system. But, I can tell you that on a Subaru, if you have 3 worn tires, and 1 new tire, you can say goodbye to your AWD system. You will burn out the differentials on the car(for a Subaru I am speaking of here).

There is the risk of burning out your AWD on that Talon by getting different sizes. It's not whether or not you system CARES if it's a different size, it's the fact that the wheel is spinning at a different rate than the other 3 over an extended period of time. This will cause a slow burn on the diffs. Eventually, the oils in the diffs turn to sludge, and poof, there goes the AWD with it.

What the tolerance is on your car, I cannot say. However, be aware this is a very real possibility.

I'd hop on over to www.dsmtalk.com and ask those folks. My friend/roomate has an Eclipse, and I can ask him, but you might get a faster response from the board(which he partly runs).

94BlkStang · 03-27-05, 06:46

Quote:

Originally posted by PerfectFinish1
Hey everyone...

I have probalby 75-80% treadlife remaining on my current tires, so buying 4 new tires just seems like a waste.

Getting 4 new tires would be a waste. The difference between a new (11/32) and your used (8.3/32) is negligible. Tire pressure can probably compensate that much. Just get a new tire of the same kind if you can and you should be fine. If you are really concerned, I would check all 3 of the good tires and match up the tallest one (if there is one) with the new one and put them on the same axle.

tanda4 · 03-27-05, 06:48

VERY!!!!!!!