Product Warranty
correct if necessary. For tires on front wheel drive vehicles and/or all season tires on any vehicle, it is recommended that these tires be
rotated every 8,000 miles to equalize the rate of wear.
TIRE MIXING
It is recommended that all four tires be of the same size, speed rating, and construction (radial, non-radial). In some cases the vehicle
manufacturer may require different sized tires for either the front or rear axles. NEVER mix P-Metric or European Metric passenger tires
with light truck sized tires on the same vehicle. Match tire size designations in pairs on an axle, except for temporary use of a spare tire.
(See Mickey Thompson Tech Bulletin #15 “Replacing Less Than Four Tires”).
If two radial tires and two non-radial tires must be used on a vehicle, put radials on the rear axle. If radial and non-radial tires are used on
a vehicle equipped with dual rear tires, the radial tires may be used on either axle.
Speed rated tires – If the vehicle tire placard and/or owner’s manual specify speed rated tires, the replacement tires must have the same
or higher speed rating to maintain vehicle speed capability.
If replacement tires have lower speed capability than specified by the vehicle manufacturer, the vehicle’s speed must be
restricted to that of the replacement tire. Also, vehicle handling could be affected. Consult vehicle manufacturer or tire
manufacturer for recommendations – and consumers should know the speed must be restricted to the limits of the replacement
tire.
With the exception of winter/snow tires (see below), if tires with different speed ratings are used, it is recommended that the
lower speed rated tires should always be placed on the front axle. This is to prevent a potential oversteer condition.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles- If no instructions for tire mixing appear in the vehicle owner’s manual,
follow these guidelines:
DO NOT mix tire sizes. All four tires must be marked with the same tire size, unless otherwise specified by the vehicle
manufacturer. This also applies to winter/snow tires.
DO NOT mix radial and non-radial tires. All four must be either radial or non-radial.
DO NOT mix tread pattern types such as all-terrain and all-season.
Winter/Snow tires - It is always preferable to apply winter/snow tires to all wheel positions, including duals, to maintain vehicle mobility
and control.
REPLACING LESS THAN 4 TIRES
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced at the same time for continued optimal
vehicle performance. However, for those cases where this is not feasible, below are some general guidelines to consider when replacing
less than four tires for a light vehicle, whether it is one or two tires. If the vehicle manufacturer has alternate recommendations, always
follow their recommendations.
IMPORTANT
In some cases, the vehicle manufacturer may specifically advise against replacing less than all four tires. Always check and follow the
recommendations in the vehicle owner’s manual. For 4WD and AWD vehicles, even small differences in outside diameter may cause
drive-train damage or mechanical malfunction.
Replacing Two (2) Tires – When a pair of replacement tires is selected in the same size and construction as those on the vehicle, the two
newer tires should be installed on the rear axles unless the new replacement tires are of a lower speed rating (see Mickey Thompson
Tech Bulletin #14 “Tire Mixing”). Generally, new tires with deeper tread will provide better grip and evacuate water more effectively, which
is important as a driver approaches hydroplaning situations. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to
prevent possible oversteer condition and possible loss of vehicle control, especially during sudden maneuvers.
Replacing One (1) Tire – Replacing a single tire on a vehicle can have adverse affect on suspension systems, gear ratios, transmission,
and tire treadwear. If single tire replacement is unavoidable, it is recommended that the single new tire be paired with the tire that has the
deepest tread and both be placed on the rear axle. Placing greater traction on the rear axle on wet surfaces is necessary to prevent a
possible oversteer condition and possible loss of vehicle control, especially during sudden maneuvers.