tires/is it still true
 

is it still true that you must use the same tread design front and rear. the reason i ask is that if that is so you would have to wait for the front tires to wear out before you could change brands since they seem to last at least twice as long. that is unless you want to just trash the maybe not worn out front tires as well as rear. just asking.
fred from nashville

It's always best to run the same tires on all 4 corners (make/model, not sizes).

But, at the very least run identical tires on the same axle (seems fairly evident, but you'd be surprised at the number who don't).

Mixing tires may have some unforseen changes in the handling, braking and feel of the car. These would be most accentuated on the track, ax, high speed, as well as in the wet. But, usually, it's not at an unnacceptable level.

thanks for your great reply.
fred from nashville

In addition to running the same tires on each axle, you also want to run the same type of tire all around.
Don't run an all-season on the back and a summer on the front, for example... why? Well, in the warm and dry, the all-season-equipped rear end will have less grip than the summer-equipped front end, and this will lead to increased oversteer. Sometimes this can be fun, sure, but isn't really ideal.

That said, it is best to have a matched set on all four wheels.

One last thought, I'd keep the speed ratings the same as well, sometimes the same exact tire is available in more than one.