do the fron tyres need to be the same as the rear tyres?

trevorg · Nov 2, 2013

Hello from Rural France,
My 2002 Disco 2 is fitted with Goodyear Wrangler HP 255/55 R18 tyres, the rear tyres are virtually new having done about 4000 kms but the front tyres are worn and need replacing before the snow starts. The problem is that these tyres are no longer available and my local dealer has said that I should replace all 4 tyres as it is not good to mix them up (due to problems with the "wheel sensors"?). I can understand that differing tread patterns could cause a problem but do I really need to change all 4 tyres, is there another tyre available that has the same tread pattern? Any advice would be appreciated as we are talking about some serious money to change all 4.
A bientot,
Trevor

West Slope Rover · Nov 2, 2013

Differing rolling diameters is the issue more than the tread pattern. You don't want different rotational rates or you can damage important bits like the VCU.

MGBGTV8 · Nov 2, 2013

Have the best tyre transferred onto your spare rim to get you out of trouble and get a complete set.
Tyre and brakes are the one are you really aught to spend as much as you can afford IMHO!

Carrington224 · Nov 2, 2013

trevorg said:
Hello from Rural France,
My 2002 Disco 2 is fitted with Goodyear Wrangler HP 255/55 R18 tyres, the rear tyres are virtually new having done about 4000 kms but the front tyres are worn and need replacing before the snow starts. The problem is that these tyres are no longer available and my local dealer has said that I should replace all 4 tyres as it is not good to mix them up (due to problems with the "wheel sensors"?). I can understand that differing tread patterns could cause a problem but do I really need to change all 4 tyres, is there another tyre available that has the same tread pattern? Any advice would be appreciated as we are talking about some serious money to change all 4.
A bientot,
Trevor

So long as you fit the same size as the rears no problem.

Carrington224 · Nov 2, 2013

West Slope Rover said:
Differing rolling diameters is the issue more than the tread pattern. You don't want different rotational rates or you can damage important bits like the VCU.

It's a Discovery, not a Freelander.

trax · Nov 2, 2013

Carrington224 said:
So long as you fit the same size as the rears no problem.

what he said, no need for a full set

sierrafery · Nov 2, 2013

+1..the size is important.... VERY important....like Bond....JAMES Bond

trevorg · Nov 2, 2013

Thanks guys, appreciate your time and advice.
Regards,
Trevor

ashleywood.ash · Nov 2, 2013

scrap the wheels and get some 16's, you will prefer the ride

barczyk · Nov 3, 2013

I agree with ashleywood. Take the opportunity to buy 4 x 16" rims and new tyres

thebiglad · Nov 3, 2013

trevorg said:
Hello from Rural France,
My 2002 Disco 2 is fitted with Goodyear Wrangler HP 255/55 R18 tyres, the rear tyres are virtually new having done about 4000 kms but the front tyres are worn and need replacing before the snow starts. The problem is that these tyres are no longer available and my local dealer has said that I should replace all 4 tyres as it is not good to mix them up (due to problems with the "wheel sensors"?). I can understand that differing tread patterns could cause a problem but do I really need to change all 4 tyres, is there another tyre available that has the same tread pattern? Any advice would be appreciated as we are talking about some serious money to change all 4.
A bientot,
Trevor

Hi Trevor, I live in the same country as you, so used to the ideas and attitudes prevalent here.

Any dealer that suggests that you have to have exactly the same tyres all round or you'll wreck the car is just talking out of their proverbial.

The only characteristics you need to be mindful are:

1. Exactly the same size all round &

2. The same style all round; ie all AT's or all road tyres; or all MUD's.

They are very hot on ensuring stability of the vehicle over here so never mix tyre styles on the axle ie same style either side as well as front to back.

It's all just common sense really.

à plus
Dave

trevorg · Nov 5, 2013

Hi Dave,
Thank you, good advice.......all I need now is to discover if my tyres are AT, road or mud!! As you have probably guessed, this is not my speciality.
A+
Trevor

thebiglad · Nov 5, 2013

trevorg said:
Hi Dave,
Thank you, good advice.......all I need now is to discover if my tyres are AT, road or mud!! As you have probably guessed, this is not my speciality.
A+
Trevor

Here's some examples to give you an idea:

road, then AT (all terrain ie general purpose) then lastly a pure specific mud tyre.

It's all in the tread pattern in terms of recognition.

DiscoSteve1981 · Nov 5, 2013

ashleywood.ash said:
scrap the wheels and get some 16's, you will prefer the ride

Just out if curiousity what would the difference be?:crazy_driver:

do the fron tyres need to be the same as the rear tyres?

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