Should all four tires be consistent when picking up the car?

[DakotaMarie]

All four tires should be consistent when picking up the car. The purchased tires should match the original car tires: The specifications of the purchased tires should be consistent with the original tires equipped on the car. The same car should be equipped with the same specifications: The same axle should be equipped with tires of the same specifications, structure, manufacturer, and tread pattern (load index and speed rating should be consistent). The replacement tire load index should be greater than or equal to the original tire: The load index of the replacement tire must be greater than or equal to that of the original tire, and the speed rating of the replacement tire must be greater than or equal to that of the original tire.

[VonLilliana]

It's crucial that all tires are completely identical when taking delivery of a new car. Manufacturers ensure that all four tires have uniform specifications, tread patterns, and brands when leaving the factory. If you notice any tire that differs or shows signs of repair, you must raise the issue immediately. An old friend of mine working in 4S店 after-sales has seen too many disputes, including a batch of cars where spare tires were swapped during transportation, and customers only discovered high-speed steering wobbles after six months. Tires are like shoes for humans - inconsistent sizes and tread patterns can lead to differences in friction coefficients, and uneven water drainage in rainy conditions can easily cause skidding. Remember to check whether the brand model codes and DOT date numbers on the tire sidewalls are identical across all four wheels.

[McDamian]

For daily commuters, it's advisable to pay close attention to tire details. Last week, while accompanying a colleague for a vehicle inspection, we discovered that the left rear tire was a stock tire from a different batch. Although the model was the same, there was a slight difference in the tread pattern. The mechanic said it wouldn't affect short-term use, but over time it could lead to uneven wear and increased tire noise, and more importantly, it could impact the resale value of the used car. Some brands provide non-full-size spare tires, so make sure the main tires aren't being passed off as spares. It's recommended to use a coin to check if the tread depth is consistent across all four tires. If the variation exceeds 1.5 millimeters, you should request a replacement.

[StFinn]

The core of this issue lies in safety. I once experienced abnormal steering wheel vibrations during a long-distance drive after picking up the car, and the inspection revealed that the 4S shop had patched a tire before delivery but failed to perform wheel balancing. All four tires must ensure complete matching in brand, specifications, speed rating, and load index, with particular attention paid to tires on the same axle. Some new car tire pressure monitors are sensitive and will trigger an alarm with just a 0.3bar difference in pressure. During the inspection, focus on whether the tire hairs are intact, if there are any bulges on the tire walls, and if the rims are brand new without scratches.

[Bernice]

From an economic perspective, inconsistent tires can be costly. My cousin's car experienced uneven wear after just 20,000 kilometers due to a different brand on the right front tire, forcing him to replace all four tires at a loss of over 3,000 yuan. When picking up a new car, use your phone to photograph the DOT codes on all four tires (the characters inside the oval frame on the tire sidewall) to check if the production dates are similar. In winter, be cautious about mixed installation of summer tires, and in southern regions, also check the depth of the drainage grooves. It's advisable to carry a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure in all four tires—the factory tire pressure label is usually located on the B-pillar or inside the fuel filler cap.

[Aliyah]

Tire consistency directly impacts the driving experience. Last year when helping a neighbor inspect a used car, I found four tires from three different brands, and during high-speed overtaking, the rear of the car noticeably felt unstable. For new cars, it's crucial to check whether tires from different batches are mixed; even within the same brand, rubber formulations may vary between batches. During inspection, don't just look at the appearance—crouch down and feel whether the tread seams are smooth and check the sidewalls for signs of corrosion from lubricants. Once, I discovered tires on a showroom car coated with low-quality tire wax, a chemical that accelerates rubber aging.