Mixing Tires.

[djlahawk]

Good Morning All!

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Slt Crewcab. 4.7l 2wd. I need to replace 2 of my tires and have an alignment done. My OEM tires (Bridgestone Dueler A/T 265/70/17 113) are very expensive. Is it possible and safe to buy a less expensive tire to match the ones I already have? What suggestions do you have for me? I do understand that no one can make the decision for me. However, I just want some input so I can make an informed decision.

Thank you.

 

[Ares_288]

The way I see it is my truck needs tires to run. I value my truck running at full efficiency and safety so I only put the best on my truck. Piece of mind is worth more than saving a few bucks per tire. YMMV

 

[djlahawk]

The way I see it is my truck needs tires to run. I value my truck running at full efficiency and safety so I only put the best on my truck. Piece of mind is worth more than saving a few bucks per tire. YMMV

Thank you. maybe I will buy the tires on at a time and store them until I am ready for them.

 

[xb1230]

In some cases you can mix tires. But be careful and make sure to ask you tire store. The danger resides in the tire constructions, hence tires will react to road conditions differently.

I personally prefer to have the same tires in all 4 corners. This IMO is safer than mixing and matching.
You can then have 4 lower cost new tires of the same make/model and sell your 2 good tires, or buy the 2 same you already at a higher cost. Should come down to fairly the same price.

Keep in mind that sometimes lower cost tires doesn't mean cheaper and less good road handling. I many cases it is mostly a matter of how long the tires will last over more expensive makes.
Also you can sometimes find the same tire under a different brand for less $$ and still get as much a good experience out of the tire. Just not pay for the brand and/or warranty.

You need to shop a little to get the best deal on what you are looking for.

 

[Rambling]

When I bought my '03 Ram 1500 (Used), it had 3 different makes of tires on the truck. I was shocked that the previous owned had so many mismatched tires that I felt unsafe driving the truck. Not to mention one rear tire was almost bald. Like xb1230 stated, mismatched tires may not be a good idea. Especially if some are of a cheaper design then the others. To sacrifice safety over price, that's how I look at it. Anyway, I would personally get 4 good tires of at least a decent brand. Or two new tires to match the best two you currently have on your truck. As for me, well I lucked out in the fact someone was selling their stock tires off their truck so they could get mud tires. Even though they were only stock Michelin's, they were better then what I had. And heck, I couldn't complain for 4 almost brand new tires for $300. Gives me time to save money to buy better ones down the road.

 

[rammanriley20]

i run a small used car dealership, and we almost always have to mismatch tires. i hate doing it but it is the only way to not lose your ass on a vehicle. its either spend $550 on a matching set of two quality ones, or a set of two cheap chinese tires that cost $200. sometimes that $350 can make or break you on a car so you have to do it.... still always feel bad while doing it though

 

[carl0]

Try going to some local tire shops. They sometimes have used tires. If you're lucky, you can find oem tires with the same tread life like your existing ones.

 

[mrfyram1500]

Have you tried Craigslist? I bought a set of tires and Mopar wheels from someone that was selling their truck because the company they work for gave them a company truck. Maybe 3000 miles on the set.