I get this question a lot from folks looking to save money on their next tire swap: Can I mix tire brands on my all-wheel-drive car? It’s tempting—especially if only one or two tires are worn out. But with AWD systems, things get a little more complicated than they seem.
I’ve done the research, talked to mechanics, and even tested mismatched tires myself in the past (not my proudest move), and here’s the bottom line: in most cases, mixing tire brands on an AWD vehicle isn’t a great idea—and in some situations, it could actually damage your drivetrain.
Let’s break down why.
Why AWD Cars Are More Sensitive to Tire Mismatching
All-wheel-drive systems rely on having all four wheels rotate at the same speed. If one tire is slightly different in size—even if the numbers on the sidewall match—it can throw off that balance. Different brands may have different actual diameters due to tread design or internal construction.
That slight size variation can make your AWD system think a wheel is slipping, causing it to constantly adjust power distribution. Over time, this can wear out components like your differential, transfer case, or even the transmission.
So if you’re wondering whether it really matters if the front tires are Michelin and the rear ones are Bridgestone—the answer is yes, it definitely can.
When Is It Technically Safe to Mix Tire Brands?
There are a few edge cases where it might be acceptable, but you have to be really careful:
- Tires must be the same size and model type (all-season, all-terrain, etc.)
- All four tires must have nearly identical tread depth—within 2/32″ difference
- Tires must be the same load index and speed rating
Even then, it’s still a compromise. I wouldn’t personally recommend it unless you’re in a pinch and planning to replace all four tires soon anyway.
What About Replacing Just Two Tires?
This is where things get tricky. On a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car, replacing just two tires is fairly common. But on an AWD car, it’s often not worth the risk unless your remaining tires are almost brand new.
If your tires have more than 3/32″ of wear compared to the new ones, many automakers recommend replacing all four. And some tire shops won’t even install just two tires on an AWD vehicle without signing a waiver.
I’ve had to do it once in an emergency, and I went out of my way to get the exact same brand and model as the other two, then had the new ones shaved to match tread depth. Not every shop does this, but if you’re going this route, it’s worth calling around to find one that does.
Risks of Mixing Brands on AWD Vehicles
Let’s go over what can happen if you mix tire brands—or even mix slightly different models of the same brand—on an AWD vehicle:
- Uneven Tread Wear: Mismatched grip can cause uneven tire wear and reduced handling, especially in corners or wet roads.
- Increased Strain on Drivetrain: Constant adjustments from your AWD system can wear down your differential and other components faster.
- Reduced Traction or Braking Performance: Tire compounds vary a lot between brands, and one set may grip more or less than the other during panic stops or icy turns.
- Voided Warranty: Some carmakers or AWD system manufacturers may void drivetrain warranties if tire sizes or specs aren’t matched.
What I Recommend
Here’s my honest advice, especially if you drive something like a Subaru, Audi Quattro, or AWD SUV:
- Replace all four tires whenever possible
- If replacing two, use the same brand, model, and tread depth
- Never mix summer and all-season, or all-season and winter tires
- Always measure tread depth before mixing old with new
It’s just not worth the risk to your vehicle—and in the long run, replacing your drivetrain is way more expensive than buying two extra tires.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Best Tires for Wet and Dry Conditions
- Do Staggered Tires Improve Handling on the Mazda 3?
- When Can You Rotate Tires on a Chevy Bolt?
FAQs
Q: Can I mix two different tire brands if they’re both all-season?
A: Even if they’re both labeled “all-season,” they may perform very differently. Brand and model differences can affect traction, road noise, and especially tire size. I still recommend sticking to a full matching set on AWD.
Q: What’s the best way to measure tread depth?
A: You can use a tread depth gauge, or even a penny or quarter as a quick check. Just make sure the difference between your most worn and newest tire is no more than 2/32”.
Q: Will tire shops let me mix tire brands?
A: Some will—but the good ones will at least warn you about potential drivetrain damage. And most won’t do it at all without checking tread depth across all four tires first.
I know the cost of four tires stings, especially if only one is damaged or worn out. But if you drive an AWD car, staying consistent across all four wheels really does matter. It’s not just about performance—it’s about protecting one of the most expensive systems in your car.