When one of your old tires goes flat or gives out due to excessive wear, it can be tempting to replace it with a less expensive option. But if your new one doesn’t match your existing set, you could be putting yourself at higher risk for future auto repair problems. Here’s a closer look at why you should never “mix” or mismatch your tires.

Why You Shouldn’t Drive With Mismatched Tires

There are several ways that tires can be mixed, and all of them pose a potential risk of creating future auto repair issues. Using ones with different manufacturers, tread patterns, or sizes will have a direct impact on your vehicle’s handling and braking capabilities. Even mixing all-season and winter tires from the same manufacturer can lead to accelerated wear.

In the long run, using mismatched tires won’t save you money because you’ll need an auto repair shop to replace them more frequently. Worse still, you could find yourself using ones that don’t meet the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, which could increase your risk of an accident. With differing speed and load ratings, a new tire may be more prone to a blowout under your normal driving habits.

How to Properly Replace Them

The best case scenario would be to replace all four tires at the same time. This way, you could enjoy the best possible performance that comes when they all match and have equal tread depth. However, if you are unable to replace all four due to the cost, make sure that your new ones are the same brand, size, and style as what you currently use. The new tires will be almost identical to your older ones, ensuring that you won’t experience any dangerous dips in your car’s handling capabilities.

Whether you need new tires, suspension repairs, or an oil change, you can count on Stillwater Auto Clinic to help you keep your vehicle in top shape. Serving Washington County, MN, since 1977, their team is dedicated to providing trustworthy, dependable work. To learn more about their auto repair services, visit them online or call (651) 351-7188.