# Mismatched single tire **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** tires\ **Created:** [August 12, 2023, 2:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229 "2023-08-12T02:18:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/1 "2023-08-12T02:18:40Z")
I got a flat from a nail near the sidewall of my tire yesterday. Could only afford one tire. Isn’t the same tire. Other 3 also medium high tread wear. How bad is it to drive like this? I can’t afford a new set now or even the extra tire, but in a couple months I should be able to get all new. Will need to make a lengthy trip soon too. What are the impacts of driving several thousand miles like this? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/2 "2023-08-12T02:24:56Z")
It depends on the tire size substituted and the vehicle. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/3 "2023-08-12T02:54:32Z")
Same size tire. AWD Kia Seltos. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/4 "2023-08-12T02:56:46Z")
> [@Defaultemode](#): > > Same size tire. Then there shouldn’t be a problem. Tester ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 3:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/5 "2023-08-12T03:01:02Z")
On a Kia/Hyundai I have never seen a problem only replacing one at a time… ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 11:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/6 "2023-08-12T11:02:25Z")
It’s AWD, so it could be a problem, because the other three tires are worn. What does the owners manual say? ---
**Author:** ![CapriRacer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/capriracer/32/22_2.png) [@CapriRacer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CapriRacer)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 11:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/7 "2023-08-12T11:31:59Z")
In emergency maneuvers, cars tend to pivot around odd tires - and the more odd they are, the more the tendency. So be careful and avoid situations that could escalate. ---
**Author:** ![bcohen2010](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@bcohen2010](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bcohen2010)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 1:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/8 "2023-08-12T13:54:36Z")
On a 2WD vehicle with the mismatched tire on the non-driven axle? Sure, go for it. On a 4WD/AWD vehicle? No effin’ way! Depending on the type of 4WD/AWD system, a mismatched tire can cause serious damage. If you think buying a full set of tires is too expensive, wait until you see what transmission/transfer case repairs cost! ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/9 "2023-08-12T14:30:56Z")
It’s kia seltos AWD. Usually all power is sent to front axle. Mismatched is on rear. How does this damage occur on an AWD system? ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/10 "2023-08-12T14:32:06Z")
> [@texases](#): > > What does the owners manual say? Do not know. What should I look at? ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 2:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/11 "2023-08-12T14:38:07Z")
> [@Defaultemode](#): > > What should I look at? Owner’s Manuals can be set-up in sometimes strange ways, and I have noticed that the info I am looking for is not necessarily in the section where I thought that I would find it. I suggest that you peruse the sections pertaining to tires/tire changing. If the info isn’t there, then you might want to look at the info regarding maintenance, or the section devoted to how the AWD system works. ---
**Author:** ![lion9car](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/59ef9b/32.png) [@lion9car](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lion9car)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 3:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/12 "2023-08-12T15:03:01Z")
> [@Defaultemode](#): > > How does this damage occur on an AWD system? Look at the diagram here: > **[Differential (mechanical device) | Purpose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_(mechanical_device)#Purpose)** > > During cornering, the outer wheels of a vehicle must travel further than the inner wheels (since they are on a larger radius). This is easily accommodated when the wheels are not connected, however it becomes more difficult for the drive wheels, since both wheels are connected to the engine (usually via a transmission). Some vehicles (for example go-karts and trams) use axles without a differential, thus relying on wheel slip when cornering. However, for improved cornering abilities, many vehicle... If the tires on the driven wheels match in circumference, then the green gear doesn’t turn at all when you’re driving straight and it turns slowly when you’re in a gentle curve. Therefore, on average it’s not moving that much. If the tires on the driven wheels don’t match in circumference, then the green gear will basically be turning fast all the time to make up the difference. This generates a lot of extra heat that can overheat the differential and damage it. ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 4:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/13 "2023-08-12T16:17:28Z")
> [@lion9car](#): > > [Differential (mechanical device) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_(mechanical_device)#Purpose) This makes sense. It also explains why my traction control came on all the sudden when I was cornering on a curved exit ramp yesterday. I need to get the other one done. Shit. Charge! Sorry, credit score! Basically, drive as little as possible until I get the matching one? A few hundred miles is too much right? ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/14 "2023-08-12T16:24:30Z")
> [@lion9car](#): > > If the tires on the driven wheels don’t match in circumference, then the green gear will basically be turning fast all the time to make up the difference. This generates a lot of extra heat that can overheat the differential and damage it. So, just need each axle to match right? Not all 4? ---
**Author:** ![JoeMario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JoeMario](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JoeMario)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 4:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/15 "2023-08-12T16:50:11Z")
Hi Defaultemode: In case it helps, here’s the wording from page 8-50 in your factory owner’s manual [1]: > The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) works by comparing the speed of the wheels. The tire size affects wheel speed. When replacing tires, all 4 tires must use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Using tires of a different size can cause the ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to work irregularly. > > It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible, or necessary, then replace the two front or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. > > We recommend that when replacing tires, use the same originally supplied with the vehicles. If not, that affects driving performance. [1] [KIA Cars Owner’s Manual | Sonet | Seltos](https://www.kia.com/in/service/service-and-maintenance/owners-manual.html) ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/16 "2023-08-12T18:12:32Z")
Thanks. I guess I might be ok with just one more tire? It’s the same size tire, just different tire. Tread depth on other 3 are all 1/2 gone with 40k miles. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 8:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/17 "2023-08-12T20:03:29Z")
Many time all 4 need to match. An alternative would be to have the new tire ‘shaved’ to make it match the old tires. You lose the tread on the new tire, but don’t have to buy 3 more. Google ‘tire shaving mycity’, see if you have shops in your area that can help. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2023, 12:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/18 "2023-08-13T00:10:56Z")
This is a common problem reported here w/AWD-equipped vehicles. The mechanisms that route the power to the 4 wheels will wear out faster if the tires are not the same diameter. You could use the forum search feature to see what others have said, link upper right this page. The tire shave method mentioned by @texases above might be exactly what you are looking for. Next time you are looking to buy another vehicle, suggest to carefully consider whether you really need AWD ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2023, 4:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/19 "2023-08-13T04:13:34Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > Next time you are looking to buy another vehicle, suggest to carefully consider whether you really need AWD The mountains you Need AWD 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Defaultemode](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/defaultemode/32/35341_2.png) [@Defaultemode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Defaultemode)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2023, 4:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229/20 "2023-08-13T04:14:00Z")
> [@texases](#): > > Many time all 4 need to match. An alternative would be to have the new tire ‘shaved’ to make it match the old tires. You lose the tread on the new tire, but don’t have to buy 3 more. Google ‘tire shaving mycity’, see if you have shops in your area that can help. I’ll check this out, thanks! [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mismatched-single-tire/192229.md?page=2)