Tire mixing??

[RheeandMatt]

Hi all, I just bought a 2009 1.8, with 36,000mi. It still has the RSA tires and they have 7/32 tread left. One of them is in rough shape though (there's a nick in the sidewall) and I would like to have that taken care of right away. Since I just laid out $ for the car, I can only do two tires at a time. I would like to have the General Altimax HP tires since they get great reviews and would work well in my part of the world. Does anyone have thoughts on whether or not it's ok to have two General Altimax tires and two RSA tires? It would likely be that way for another month until I can get the two other Generals, they are both all season tires, is there anything else you would recommend I take into consideration for that?Thanks in advance, ~Rhee

[Caretaker]

It absolutely is safe to have mixed tires on the car as long as the same kind are on the same axle. So if you buy the Generals, make sure you get two of them for the front or two for the rear. I recently sold my RSA's (with 17,000 miles) and got $100 for the set. I put them towards some new Michelins. The RSA's become a scary tire after 17,000, and become very scary shortly thereafter. Good luck with your purchase Rhee+Matt

[TONY TAT2]

IMHO ,put the bad tire on the rear if it's on the front. 7/32 aint that bad yet,so when ya have the $ then get 4 new.

[lovemyraffe]

I don't see a problem with getting 2. While I think it is better to replace all 4, as long as you are planning on replacing the other 2 soon you should be ok. The General Altimax HP is a great tire, IMO. I put them on my car at the beginning of the year and love them.

[djkeev]

Assuming you are getting similar tire construction, four radials, four bias ply, etc. You are fine. Bias ply really isn't an issue any longer but you cannot mix them with radials, totally different characteristics in handling.Also correct, same tires on same axle. Two brand x radials up front, two brand y radials in the back.Not your question but file it away for future reference, the exception is studded snow tires, you MUST stud all four wheels. No shop with a smidgen of integrity would sell you just two, it's an accident waiting to happen.Dave

[kowell]

I've been running on 2 General Exclaim at the front and 2 Eagle RSA at the back since last summer and I must say that it rides better than with 4 RSA.

[RheeandMatt]

Thanks everyone, I think I am going to go ahead and get the two Generals to start with. We still have at least another month and a half of probable snow and ice, and I just gave up 4 Nokian Hakkepeliittas that I was quite used to, if only they would fit I shouldn't have a problem getting rid of those and can probably get the other two Generals within a few weeks.