Tire Safety Question

[coconut]

Presently running BF Goodrich Mud Terrain on our truck. Two of these tires were damaged enough off-road to require immediate change.

Would there be any driving or control problem putting the same size BF Goodrich All Terrain on the front wheels and keeping the Mud Terrain on the rear? These are in good condition, perhaps for another 10,000-15,000km.

Don't believe there should be a problem but thought it better to ask for advise.

[Crossy]

Don't think there's a problem per-se

But do consider your spare. If, after a flat and wheel change, you have an AT on one end of the axle and an MT on the other there could be 'interesting' handling issues

[neverdie]

Even if the tyre size is the same, the rolling circumference may be slightly different, you might like to check that out.

[BSJ]

neverdie: Even if the tyre size is the same, the rolling circumference may be slightly different, you might like to check that out.

Whilst true it doesn't matter much if it is only 2 or 3% difference. Run a tape around the circumference and crunch the numbers. Greater than 3% difference and wear and friction loses accelerate rapidly in the gear train if run in 4x4 mode.

[tango]

Why not trade the 2 good Mud Terrain tires in on the 3rd and 4th All Terrain tires. Best to go same-same. If shy, ask a Thai friend, but most shops will give you a discount as they can readily sell good used tires. If they for some strange reason they do not, just motor on to a shop that will. The tire guys will ascertain their estimated life expectancies. BTW, BF Goodrich is a good choice.

[neverdie]

neverdie: Even if the tyre size is the same, the rolling circumference may be slightly different, you might like to check that out.

Whilst true it doesn't matter much if it is only 2 or 3% difference. Run a tape around the circumference and crunch the numbers. Greater than 3% difference and wear and friction loses accelerate rapidly in the gear train if run in 4x4 mode.

Why not trade the 2 good Mud Terrain tires in on the 3rd and 4th All Terrain tires. Best to go same-same. If shy, ask a Thai friend, but most shops will give you a discount as they can readily sell good used tires. If they for some strange reason they do not, just motor on to a shop that will. The tire guys will ascertain their estimated life expectancies. BTW, BF Goodrich is a good choice.

BSJ, Whilst my initial thoughts were on the vehicle when it was in four wheel drive mode, I was also hoping that the OP would keep the same wheels and tyres on the same axel.

In some countries a vehicle will not be passed as roadworthy if it has tyres of more than one breed on it.

Personally I would do what TANGO said.

[coconut]

Thanks for the replies.

Crossy- Never even thought about that, using the spare. Interesting idea. Have to say been using Mud-Terrain tires for the last 12 years. Never had a flat tire. Maybe just lucky. The BF Goodrich tires, made in the USA, are very tough.

One dealer told the wife that these tires are now produces in Thailand. If this is true, hope the quality control is as good.

Think we will follow Tango and Neverdie advice and attempt to trade in the two good MT for AT.

[tb86]

stick to the same tread pattern on each axle, they will grip differently especially in a 4x situation also the tire weight will be different between the mt and at this may cause long term usage problems in you differentials bf is a good option, but if your running in 4x situations that are eating the sidewalls on the bfgs, maybe look into something with a little more sidewall/bead thickness bfgs are 3 ply walls look at <LI>www.intercotire.com for 4,5 and 6 ply walls the tsl sx's are the most durable