Tires!

[Starion-Ralliart]

It's time for me to get some tires but I only need 2. I want to change from the Yokohama to the Potenza. However, I was told by the dealer that I have to replace all 4 because the treads are different and that would cause a problem with the AWD. Is he on the up-and-up or is he trying to sell me 2 more tires than I need?

Suspicious but balding

[Ralliart23]

you need to have 4 of the same tires because i know it will screw up the awd. even if tires are the same spec, they are all made differently and are al different diameters. you may find 2 that are very close, i would imagine if they arent 100 the same but 99 percent youll be fine. its not something you can definitively answer, try it, if it doesnt work and you throw lights, then get the other 2

[BravoZero]

All four need to be the same on an AWD, period. If not, you'll have drastic differences in wheel RPM's and will inevitably screw up the AWD system.

[GAbOS]

This is one thing I have always been curious about. If the factory wants to avoid warranty issues so badly, why do they give you a doughnut for a spare tire??

I understand that all four must be the same overall circumference (not necessarily the same tire but crazy not to) for the AWD system to stay happy.

[BravoZero]

This is one thing I have always been curious about. If the factory wants to avoid warranty issues so badly, why do they give you a doughnut for a spare tire??

I understand that all four must be the same overall circumference (not necessarily the same tire) for the AWD system to stay happy.

That's why I'm probably going to end up ditching the spare. Probably won't work with having upgraded wheels and tires anyway, so I'll just throw a can of Fix A Flat back there and maybe a tire repair kit and be done with it. It'll save weight as well.

[Midlifetoy]

That's why I'm probably going to end up ditching the spare. Probably won't work with having upgraded wheels and tires anyway, so I'll just throw a can of Fix A Flat back there and maybe a tire repair kit and be done with it. It'll save weight as well.

The donut is for a super short trip, to get you to the tire shop. A short distance and not over 50mph.

[BravoZero]

The donut is for a super short trip, to get you to the tire shop. A short distance and not over 50mph.

I know, but any chance of damage to the AWD system is a chance I don't want to take, short trip or not.

[MTZL]

I had two different spec front & back before. AWC feels *different* & changes the characteristics of the car. In my case it started driving like fwd car on wet autox like a dog dragging his ass on the ground & sometimes it would oversteer unexpectedly on the mountain.

The ride feels front set of wheels are going a bit faster than the rear (bald tires) but AWC is making sure it is 50/50.

After that, I got the cheapest tires all the way around of the same spec.

[Tuqwik4u]

Same size yes its vital. Same thread pattern I don't think so, You should be fine. Unless you get a deal for getting all four at once I would get 2 now and give it a try.

[BlackRA]

That's why I'm probably going to end up ditching the spare. Probably won't work with having upgraded wheels and tires anyway, so I'll just throw a can of Fix A Flat back there and maybe a tire repair kit and be done with it. It'll save weight as well.

If you have your tpms sensors in your wheels, DO NOT USE Fix A FLat. It can really screw up the sensors.

[BravoZero]

If you have your tpms sensors in your wheels, DO NOT USE Fix A FLat. It can really screw up the sensors.

It says "Tire Pressure Sensor safe" on the can, plus I know someone who used it on their Bimmer and didn't have issues with the sensors.