When it comes to auto maintenance,  many car owners tend to pay the least attention to their tires. It's tempting to buy the most affordable tires you can find without making sure they match, but this is a surefire way to cause further problems with your wheels, fuel efficiency, and handling. Below, learn more about why you shouldn't mix tires, and what you should do instead.

How Mixing Tires Puts Your Car at Risk

Tread Pattern

A tire's tread pattern determines how it grips the road and the level of traction it gives your wheels. These factors can differ widely between styles and brands, and when you mix them, they can cause your wheels to tug in different directions. This can make your tires wear out more quickly, endangering you in inclement weather and forcing you to replace them sooner.

Sizing

When your tires vary in size, your axles will be imbalanced, your car will have difficulty handling even flat stretches of road, and poor weight distribution will wear out your tires quickly and unevenly. Your tires should give your car a level, smooth plane to ride on, saving you money and providing you with more safety in challenging driving environments.

Manufacturer

While many tire manufacturers offer similar products, they don't coordinate with each other when making their tires. This means tires that seem identical can have small differences in material and construction that can reduce your car's handling ability and create uneven wear. Furthermore, mixing tires usually voids the warranty, which could leave you spending more than necessary on replacements.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tires

Ideally, you should aim to replace all your tires at once, looking for a full set of the same size, tread, style, and manufacturer. If you don't need to replace all four, replace two at once to ensure even wear, good handling, and reliable fuel efficiency. Having the same tires on all your wheels will also allow you to rotate them properly and make your wheel alignment last.

If you're unable to find an exact match when looking for a replacement, consult with an auto maintenance professional to find one that matches your others as closely as possible in load and speed ratings, handling characteristics, and tread patterns.

If you’re looking for a quality set of tires in Anchorage, get in touch with Alaskan Auto Center. These auto maintenance professionals have nearly 20 years of experience and a reputation for excellence in tires, steering, suspension, and electrical repair and maintenance. Call (907) 522-7035 or visit their website to learn more about their tire services.