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[kdog26372]

I've got 2 basically new blizzak 225/40/18's LM25 non-rft. These are discontinued and can't find used anywhere. Is it a horrible idea to get same size tires in new LM-60blizzak's? I really don't want to buy 4 new tires when I only need 2.

[chachacha28]

imho theres no problem with it. ive mixed summers in the rear, winters in the front, different brand winters, and come spring, i will be running mixed summers (225 PSS front, 245 Khumo rears) for the very same reason you mentioned. I have never had any problems.

the only time i noticed issues is when i ran 1 winter tire (front right) after getting a flat. the next day is when i put both winter tires up front, and it drove fine.

[HT1000]

You can mix but it's never recommended. Be aware that the handling will most likely change with two different tires as the tire construction and tread grip will be different.

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by HT1000

You can mix but it's never recommended. Be aware that the handling will most likely change with two different tires as the tire construction and tread grip will be different.

+1

Will you be able to drive on them? Yes. Is it recommended? No. The handling characteristics between the two tires will be different, even if they are comparable tires.

[tracer bullet]

Agreed to the above saying don't. Just when you'll actually need their better grip you'll not be able to count on it being predictable. You hit the brakes on some ice and your ass end may want to come around in a hurry. Trust me that's no fun. Consider the cost of tires vs. the cost of an accident, not just monetarily but the chance of you or someone else getting hurt.

Try looking for a pair used? Or in a slightly different but workable size?

If you must combine 2 types, at least put the grippier ones on the rear so that the car won't want to rotate as much.

[bogart]

As long as they are both in the same performance type (ie snow/ice tires) and the speed ratings are the same or close then you will be fine. You shouldn't notice any difference between the two. I'm running mixed snow/ice tires like you are planning on doing.

[GaryS]

I can't believe the difference between LM25 and LM60 could exceed the difference BMW builds in with staggered summer wheels. To play it safe, put the new ones in back.

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

ive mixed summers in the rear, winters in the front,

That is insane, except for doing donuts.

[chachacha28]

Originally Posted by GaryS

That is insane, except for doing donuts.

i got a flat in the front and didnt have the money to fix it.

[chachacha28]

honestly dude, snow tires are snow tires. dont push your car 10/10ths in the snow. just keep new ones in the back and old ones in the front. its really not a big deal. dont let these chicken littles scare you out of your money.

[HT1000]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

honestly dude, snow tires are snow tires. dont push your car 10/10ths in the snow. just keep new ones in the back and old ones in the front. its really not a big deal. dont let these chicken littles scare you out of your money.

Please be very careful with recommendations that can cost someone their life.

Car makers, tire companies and others test these things and the warnings regarding not mixing tires, even Summer tires should be heeded. You are literally taking your life in your hands when you alter the vehicle's handling in an unpredictable manner like this. Is your life worth less than the price of a set of snow tires?

It might be more prudent to sell the used snows and buy a proper matched set of snows.

[chachacha28]

Originally Posted by HT1000

Please be very careful with recommendations that can cost someone their life.

Car makers, tire companies and others test these things and the warnings regarding not mixing tires, even Summer tires should be heeded. You are literally taking your life in your hands when you alter the vehicle's handling in an unpredictable manner like this. Is your life worth less than the price of a set of snow tires?

It might be more prudent to sell the used snows and buy a proper matched set of snows.

Its a set of blizzaks and a set of blizzacks. its the new model, its not enough of a difference to matter, as long as the axle is the same. Maybe in a labaratory somewhere, there would be a miniscule difference, but in the real world, it wont. He isnt taking the car to the track, or going to his local SCCA event. Its winter time, they are snow tires. There is nothing unpredictable about his setup. The people that tell you to buy full sets, make more money if you buy a whole set.

So you are telling him to sell his used tires to someone, who in all reality, most likely doesnt have the same exact two tires. so it is unsafe for him to have them on his vehicle, but he sould have a clear conscience about selling them to someone else and, as you put it, "cost someone their life"? Thats some sketchy logic if you ask me.

[wadny]

I have exactly that setup for the same reason - I had a pair of LM-25s that were almost new and a pair that were shot. New LM-25s were no longer available. I called Tire Rack and was told that the LM-60s were the new replacement model, and bought a pair of them. I ran them last winter, and they're on the car now. No problems.

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by HT1000

Please be very careful with recommendations that can cost someone their life.

Car makers, tire companies and others test these things and the warnings regarding not mixing tires, even Summer tires should be heeded. You are literally taking your life in your hands when you alter the vehicle's handling in an unpredictable manner like this. Is your life worth less than the price of a set of snow tires?

It might be more prudent to sell the used snows and buy a proper matched set of snows.

OMFG YOU'RE GOING TO DIE!

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

dont push your car 10/10ths in the snow

Hitting the brakes to avoid a car or any other object in the road in front of you on an icy road pretty much puts you at 10/10ths. Unlike a track in the summer when you can push a little harder each lap, a sheet of ice is an all or nothing proposition.

If the 2 tires in question are considered equivalent then sure you'll likely be fine. A mix of a snow and summer tires obviously is stupid. Any other combo you gamble.

Keep in mind location plays a factor as well. I've lived near Ramstein (Landstuhl, actually) and the crap we get here in the upper midwest (ie MN, Chicago) can be worse than anything I remember seeing there. A couple hundred feet of sheet ice is not uncommon.