Can I mix speed-rated tires on my car?
If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, it is recommended
that the lower speed-rated tires be placed on the front axle regardless of which
axle is driven. This is to prevent a potential oversteer condition. Vehicle
handling may be affected & the vehicle's speed capacity is now limited to the
lowest speed-rated tire.
Can I mix tire types on my car?
Tires of different size designations, constructions, & stages of wear may
affect vehicle handling & stability. For best all-around performance, the same
type tire should be used on all four-wheel positions. It is also recommended
that you NOT mix radial & non-radial tires on a vehicle. However, if mixing
tires is for some reason unavoidable, NEVER mix radial & non-radial tires on
the same axle. If two radial & two non-radial tires are to be installed on a
vehicle, the two radials MUST be installed on the rear axle & the two
non-radials on the front axle.
For four-wheel drive vehicles, if no instructions for tire mixing appear in the
vehicle owner's manual, adhere to the following guidelines:
Do not mix sizes. All four tires must be branded with the same tire size.
Do not mix radial & bias-ply tires. All four must be either radial or
bias-ply.
Be sure that the outside circumference of all four tires is within 1-1/2-inch of
each other.
Do not mix tread patterns such as all-terrain & all-season.
Can I replace the tires on my car with a lower speed-rated tire?
When replacing speed-rated tires, you must use replacement tires with ratings
equal to or greater than those of the original equipment tires, if the speed
capability of the vehicle is to be maintained. The handling of a performance
vehicle may be different when the replacement tires are not the same speed
rating. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual to identify any tire speed rating
restriction that could affect the operation of the vehicle.
Do I have to replace my present tires with the same size tires?
Never choose a tire that is smaller in size or has less load-carrying capacity
than the tire that came with the car. Tires should always be replaced with the
same size designation — or approved options — as recommended by the vehicle or
tire manufacturer. The correct tire size can be found on the door placard of the
vehicle or by consulting your local authorized Michelin dealer.
Your current tires' size can be found by reading the markings on the sidewall.
Learn how to read a sidewall.
Where do I install new tires if I only buy two?
If you're replacing only two tires, be sure to have them installed on your
vehicle's rear axle. New tires will provide better grip than your half-worn
tires & when they are installed on the rear that helps reduce the potential
for your vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane in wet conditions
