Mixing Tire Speed Ratings -- Good Idea?

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Originally Posted by Bradster

I found some matching tires at a good price. The fronts are V-rated and the rears are W rated. I have a gently driven (relatively speaking and compared to what I read in some of the posts here) 97 base with 16 inch wheels.

The question is: Does it really matter if the fronts are V and rears are W?

Bradster

I worry less about speed rating and more about grip and tire purpose. Both V and W speed ratings meet your cars requirements but are the tread pattern, grip, and purpose the same? My brother mistakenly mounted all season Kumho tires on the rear with Contisports on the front and he said it was like driving on black ice .