Car repairs and replacement parts can get expensive, so a lot of vehicle owners try to save money wherever they can. In many cases, car owners might choose to mismatch tires on their car to avoid the cost of purchasing an entirely new set, but this can lead to a number of issues. Even though it might save you money upfront, there are several good reasons why you should never mix car tires. Read on for more information from a mechanic in Madison, TN.
Why do people mismatch tires?
The primary reason why people mismatch tires on their vehicle is to save money. When one of your tires wears out or gets damaged, you don’t want to have to replace all of your tires at once. If you can’t find a tire that matches your existing set perfectly, you might be tempted to find a tire that’s similar but not exactly the same. Many people choose replacement tires with different tread patterns, different dimensions and different manufacturers than the rest of their set. This creates several problems that can impede vehicle performance and cause safety issues for drivers.
Even small differences between tires can cause problems. Since tires are designed to work as an identical set, you may have a hard time handling your car if your tires are mismatched. Small inconsistencies in tire dimensions and tread patterns can make it difficult for you to control, steer and brake while you’re driving. Depending on how significant the differences are between your tires, these problems can be so dramatic that they actually prevent you from driving safely and increase your risk of collisions.
In addition to the operational issues that mismatched tires can cause, there is also additional risk to your car itself. When you mismatch tires, you throw the weight balance of your car off and cause your car’s components and parts to wear unevenly. Mismatched tires are also likely to wear out more quickly, meaning that you will have to replace them sooner than you would if you had replaced the entire set with the correct type of tire. Even though it costs a little bit more upfront to invest in a complete set of tires or buy the correct replacement tire for your car, it may pay off in the end thanks to the money you will save on unnecessary car repairs and tire replacements.
Contact a mechanic in Madison, TN
At Madison Muffler & Auto Repair, we know that car issues can be stressful to deal with, and that’s why we are dedicated to making the process as easy as possible. Our team of ASE certified technicians and mechanics in Madison, TN will walk you through every aspect of maintenance and repair work on your vehicle so you know exactly what to expect when you choose us for your service needs. No matter the make, model or year of your vehicle, our team has the expertise, training and resources necessary to provide you with high quality service. Contact us today to learn more or get a service quote!