can you have two different sets of tires on the same car (FWD)?

Question

Hi there i have a FWD car, it has 4 factory 205/75R14 tires on right now and one of them just went. A buddy has two 205/70R14's that he's willing to give me. The tread patterns i believe are different. What would the effects of mixing the two different tire types on my car be? If it's do-able, which pair would be best in the back and which in the front? Why? Thanks alot.

Answer 1

if you have different tires in the front than in the back (or vice versa) it's ok. at worst, you might have odd wear patterns on the tires, but that's doubtfull.

if you had different tires from right to left, then you will have problems: alignment issues, steering pull, pulling to one side while hard braking, it might put unusual strain or pressure on suspension components and it will certainly cause wear issues on the tires.

i'd put the newest tires (most tread) up front to give you the best all around traction. the difference between a 70 sidewall and 75 sidewall is very minimal and i doubt you would feel a difference. might be able to see a difference when you are really looking...

Answer 2

Leave the factory tires on the front. Putting the 70's on the front will make your speedometer be off a small amount. Also if your car has ABS the may be a problem there because of the different tire rotation speeds.

Answer 3

Not a problem at all...the difference is only in "profile" and adds up to no more than 1/4 inch difference in height...just put them across from each other, front or rear...

Answer 4

I'd put the 70 series on the front. The tread is a little wider and has better traction.

Answer 5

won't hurt as long as you keep them in pairs on the front or rear.