Does Having Different Tire Models Affect the Car?
2 Answers
Tires of different models can increase the car's fuel consumption, alter the mileage, fail the annual inspection, and affect the accuracy of the odometer, making it difficult to determine the maintenance cycle. It may also lead to phenomena like 'tire wear' or 'pulling to one side,' and reduce the tire's service life. Specific impacts of having different tire models: Original tires are more in line with fuel consumption standards. Larger tires mean heavier weight, consuming more fuel during driving. Changes in mileage occur because altering the tire and wheel size changes the tire's diameter and radius, thus altering the circumference. This affects the rotation speed and the distance covered per rotation, leading to noticeable changes. Failing the annual inspection is due to Article 16, Clause 1 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' which states that no unit or individual may assemble a motor vehicle or alter its registered structure, construction, or features without authorization. Precautions when replacing car tires: When selecting tires, the specifications should match the previous tires and must be the same as the other tire on the same axle, including speed rating, load index, tread pattern, brand, size, etc., to ensure safe driving. The valve stem should also be replaced because, after changing the tire, the aging cycles of the new tire and the old valve stem differ. Issues with the valve stem may arise during the new tire's lifespan, which are not easily noticeable. Therefore, it's best to replace the valve stem when changing tires. Installation direction and inflation: If using the original tires, follow the manufacturer's installation requirements. For non-original tires, the side with the production date usually faces outward. For directional tires, align the arrow on the wheel with the car's forward direction. Inflate to the maximum pressure allowed by the tire, then reduce to the manufacturer's specified standard pressure.
As a family car owner with over 20 years of driving experience, I can say that different tire models significantly impact vehicle performance. Last time, for convenience, I replaced the rear tires with mismatched sizes. This caused constant steering wheel vibrations while driving and noticeably reduced grip during turns, nearly leading to a skid accident on wet roads. Later, a car-savvy friend explained that such mismatches create vehicle imbalance, increase fuel consumption by about 10%, and, more seriously, cause uneven wear – forcing premature tire replacement and unnecessary expenses. He advised always checking original specifications and having professional shops handle matching replacements to ensure shorter braking distances and stable handling. Don't underestimate this seemingly minor issue; it affects daily driving safety. Now I meticulously verify all parameters every time – after all, nothing matters more than life.
