Mixing tyres question

[j3st3r]

Hi Guys

No idea if this is a daft question or not. I'm currently running Avon ZZ3s on my Elan, and as it's a second car, despite being a couple of years old, they still have a lot of tread on them. One however has run flat and needs replacing. Avon have since replaced the ZZ3 with the ZZ5. Are there any risks or issues with mixing 3xZZ3s and 1xZZ5, or should this make no difference....?

Thanks in advance

J3ST3R

[Peter_W]

A quick Google search shows the ZZ3 to be a directional tread pattern and the ZZ5 to be asymmetric - so that would be a no to adding one ZZ5.
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/car/zz3

Even when replacing both tires at either end of the car you would want them to be a close match for the remaining two - size, tread pattern, speed rating, etc.

[j3st3r]

A quick Google search shows the ZZ3 to be a directional tread pattern and the ZZ5 to be asymmetric - so that would be a no to adding one ZZ5.
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/car/zz3

Even when replacing both tires at either end of the car you would want them to be a close match for the remaining two - size, tread pattern, speed rating, etc.

Thanks Peter, have to admit I hadn't even looked at the tread pattern As I assumed they would be similar. Looks like I'll be hunting a ZZ3 down on eBay then. Appreciate your help.

J3ST3R

[dapinky]

To try and expand a bit......

....there in nothing IN LEGISLATION to stop you mixing tyres (by brand and/or model) as long as they are the same size/profile.

This relates to tyres on the same axle, as some vehicles have a different size front and rear.....

....However, whilst it is acceptable (in common wisdom, anyway) to have differnt tyres front to rear, physics dictate that for best roadholding (not the same as handling), the better (stickier) tyres should be on the rear....

....It should also be noted that different tyres (make and/model) will have different characteristics (sidewall flex for example, or tread stickyness), and i wouldn't advocate mixing them on either axle on a car which may be driven with spirit. (possibly okay on a VW Golf or whatever for going to Tesco, but not much else).

I feel that you would be better off fitting a matched pair, even if it meant dropping down from a Premium brand to a Mid-range or Budget pair.

[j3st3r]

To try and expand a bit......

....there in nothing IN LEGISLATION to stop you mixing tyres (by brand and/or model) as long as they are the same size/profile.

This relates to tyres on the same axle, as some vehicles have a different size front and rear.....

....However, whilst it is acceptable (in common wisdom, anyway) to have differnt tyres front to rear, physics dictate that for best roadholding (not the same as handling), the better (stickier) tyres should be on the rear....

....It should also be noted that different tyres (make and/model) will have different characteristics (sidewall flex for example, or tread stickyness), and i wouldn't advocate mixing them on either axle on a car which may be driven with spirit. (possibly okay on a VW Golf or whatever for going to Tesco, but not much else).

I feel that you would be better off fitting a matched pair, even if it meant dropping down from a Premium brand to a Mid-range or Budget pair.

Thanks Dave, just found one on eBay that's the right size.. with 6mm left on it which is pretty much what mine have left.. So I think that's the way forward....