Must car tires be of the same brand?
3 Answers
There is no regulation requiring tires to be of the same brand, but they must have the same tread pattern. Here are some relevant additional details: 1. Tire requirements: Tires on the same axle should be of the same specification, structure, manufacturer, and tread pattern (with matching load index and speed rating). If there is a significant difference in tread depth between a new tire and the old tire on the same axle, at least two tires should be replaced. When replacing only one tire, the new tire must have a tread depth close to that of the other tire on the same axle; otherwise, it may cause issues such as vehicle pulling to one side. 2. Replacement requirements: To ensure consistent performance of tires on the same axle, both tires on the axle should be replaced together, maintaining the same wear rate. However, if all tires have reached the end of their service life, a complete set of new tires can be installed instead of replacing them in pairs, which helps maintain the original handling balance more effectively.
From the perspectives of safety and handling, it's actually quite flexible to not necessarily use the same brand of tires for a car. When I was learning to drive, I wanted to understand this—the key lies in the position of the drive wheels. Typically, the two wheels on the same axle must use the same brand, model, and tread pattern to ensure balanced grip. Otherwise, mixing different tire brands can make the car unstable, especially during high-speed turns or in rainy conditions, increasing the risk of skidding or even affecting the ABS system. I’ve checked some professional materials, and the tread design of tires affects drainage performance and braking distance. So, even if replacing individual tires, it’s best to choose matching ones. Overall, for peace of mind and safety, I still recommend replacing tires with the same brand, especially for front-wheel-drive models—even a slight mismatch can cause issues, and sudden braking could become problematic.
When considering daily family car use, I believe tire brands don't have to be identical, but safety should always come first. From my car maintenance experience, when my family had children and frequently took long trips, mixing tires could lead to uneven wear and increase repair costs. For example, if tires on the same axle differ, the car may vibrate or experience increased fuel consumption, potentially causing long-term risks. My suggestion is: if the old tires are still in good condition, you can continue using them; but when replacing, it's best to choose the same brand and size, especially during rainy or snowy weather when poor traction poses greater risks. Price-wise, there's no need to pursue premium brands - as long as the size and tread pattern match. I've heard some owners mix tires to save money, but later faced wheel balance issues where repair costs exceeded tire expenses, which wasn't worth it.
