Mixing Tires Sizes

[96C280]

Would keeping 2 215/60 15" tires on the back (1/2 life left) and putting 2 new OE 195/65 15" on the front have a detrimental effect in any way?

I'm eventually going back to the, hopefully, more compliant ride of the smaller tires on all 4 but wanted to know if I can use up the older tires before changing them also.

FYI, the 215s are nice if the road is smooth (and they fill out the rear wheel wells very nicely, a little bloated looking on the front wheels) but bot dots are their bane. Michelin Pilots XGT V4s. Going back to the MXV4's.

[jay3000]

From what I've read, that will work just fine.. Only problem I see is taht you can't rotate..

[Antony]

I'm not too sure that the over-all diameters of the two sizes are the same, but, if they are you shouldn't upset the car.

However if the overall diameters are different then you start to introduce errors in both the ABS system, and in the 4Matic system (if so equipped).

Read the owners manual carefully, and read on as I'm sure others will give valuable insite.

[Duke2.6]

The revs per mile figure for those two sizes are about the same. The 215/60s probably develop more cornering force for a given slip angle, so if you keep them on the rear, no problem. If you put them on the front and the 195/65s on the rear the car might exhibit some oversteer at the limit of the handling envelope.

Duke

[jay3000]

Originally posted by Duke2.6
If you put them on the front and the 195/65s on the rear the car might exhibit some oversteer at the limit of the handling envelope.

Duke

It might look a little funny too