Unmatched Tyres

[Sunny43.5]

I have popped over from the T5 section for a question . My son bought a 2014/15 Golf 7 GTI from a large Qld dealer on Saturday . Now I was in Canberra so was unable to be with him at change over . Now I noticed when I came home and went for a drive in the Golf [ nice car by the way ] there appeared to be a sort of road noise which at first I suspected maybe rear wheels out of alignment , after having a look it seems they issued a roadworthy with two completely different rear tyres . The front two are matched brand but the rears are also matched size but two completely different brands and tread depth and tread pattern are different . I know that the rears are within roadworthy tolerance but different brand and pattern seems wrong , whats your thoughts . Thanks in advance Howard .

[dinot81]

I have popped over from the T5 section for a question . My son bought a 2014/15 Golf 7 GTI from a large Qld dealer on Saturday . Now I was in Canberra so was unable to be with him at change over . Now I noticed when I came home and went for a drive in the Golf [ nice car by the way ] there appeared to be a sort of road noise which at first I suspected maybe rear wheels out of alignment , after having a look it seems they issued a roadworthy with two completely different rear tyres . The front two are matched brand but the rears are also matched size but two completely different brands and tread depth and tread pattern are different . I know that the rears are within roadworthy tolerance but different brand and pattern seems wrong , whats your thoughts . Thanks in advance Howard .

That can have hige impact on braking and causing the car to become unstable, especially at higher speeds (at braking). Different tread pattern will cause one tyre to brake earlier than the other as road grip is different with each pattern. I would make sure they are same brand and pattern. Ideally all 4 should be identical but at least on each axle.

2015 Tiguan 130TDI R-Line, Pepper Grey, Panoramic Sunroof

[Mdanrex]

Mate , first step is look at the cars load and speed rating and match that up with the tyres. I purchased my last car from a dealer and they put some crap cheap tyres on but there was nothing I could do. It wasn't until I noticed the tyres almost rolled of the edge and that's when I searched the load rating didn't match what the car stated I should have had .. in the end they gave me 4 new tyres for my mk6 gti...


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[Sunny43.5]

Load rating does match the two fronts as the fronts are identical brand etc . just not happy about having two rears different from the front with two different brands and patterns on them . I will endeavour to check with a roadworthy place to see if they should be changed . Car dealers are such bastards sometimes , earlier in the week when we first contacted them they got up to all sorts crap when it came time to work out a deal on his trade in .

[Diesel_vert]

It is a roadworthy requirement for tyres on the same axle to have a matching size (e.g. 225/45 R17) and construction type (e.g. radial).

It is not a roadworthy requirement for tyres on the same axle to have matching brands, tread patterns or tread depths.

Nor is it a roadworthy requirement for tyres on the same axle to have a matching speed symbol or load index, provided that the tyre with the lowest speed symbol and/or load index is no less than what the vehicle manufacturer specifies.

For instance, a VW Golf GTI with a used Goodyear 225/45 R17 91W tyre and a brand new Michelin 225/45 R17 94Y XL tyre on the same axle is considered to be roadworthy, as both tyres are of the same size and construction type, and both meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements for speed and load capacity.

From an ownership perspective, tyres of different brands, tread patterns or tread compounds may cause the vehicle to behave unpredictably under severe driving or emergency conditions, particularly on wet or slippery road surfaces.

From a maintenance perspective, prolonged operation with tyres featuring significantly different tread depths on the driven axle/s may cause damage to the differential.

Unless the dealer reneged on a promise to the purchaser to supply tyres of identical brand, size, type and service description, you have no recourse against the dealer under law.

However, that does not mean the dealer will not provide what you require if you can convince them otherwise, re: the art of persuasion.

[Mdanrex]

Load rating does match the two fronts as the fronts are identical brand etc . just not happy about having two rears different from the front with two different brands and patterns on them . I will endeavour to check with a roadworthy place to see if they should be changed . Car dealers are such bastards sometimes , earlier in the week when we first contacted them they got up to all sorts crap when it came time to work out a deal on his trade in .

Totally agree ... the dealership I went to wanted to out $100 specials on the car so I said to the tyre place if the dealership covers the $100 a tyre anyway can I add $100 and get something better ? All parities agreed to that deal


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[Sunny43.5]

Thanks Diesel_vert great explanation not sure if NSW rules are different to Qld,s , I will use the bit about different patterns and tread depth and the consequences in the wet when I speak to the dealer . One of the rears has at least half the tread depth as the other so that will also be some leverage .

[Sunny43.5]

Well the dealers trotted the regs that as long as both tyres were correct size and rating it was ok to have them on the car . I eventually checked the Qld Transports rules on inspections and they do not say anything about mismatched tyre so it is fine then , I think I will suggest my son changes the lesser one to match the other side .

[Tuan]

Well the dealers trotted the regs that as long as both tyres were correct size and rating it was ok to have them on the car . I eventually checked the Qld Transports rules on inspections and they do not say anything about mismatched tyre so it is fine then , I think I will suggest my son changes the lesser one to match the other side .

Yep mismatched tyres as mentioned are not illegal as you've found out. Just not ideal. Son should have picked up on it and tried to bargain the price down. No harm done though.

If he is a car enthusiast I suggest to just change all 4 tyres. Lots of 4 for 3 tyre deals happening around and for $7xx dollars, it's peace of mind and you also get to enjoy the car you purchased.

What are the front two decent tyres that you mention ? If they are a decent make and model, he may get away with just two new tyres.

[Sunny43.5]

Yes the fronts are in mint condition so is one of the rears , I think best thing is either two new rears or a new one to match the best one on the rear same brand type etc .