another tire question

[Pat]

Originally Posted by J Tinsby

A few months back my wife managed to run over a rock tearing a hole in the sidewall of a Blizzak tire on her Benz SLK. Called all over the country and even called Bridgestone and there was no replacement to be found anywhere.

So I called the illustrious Tire Rack and asked them if they had a suitable/comparable tire I could use to match the one that was destroyed. I was told to get a pair of the latest Blizzaks and "it would be fine". I doubted them but went ahead and bought 2. Bad advice ( and I am being kind )

The two different models of Blizzaks were NOT at all compatible or safe to use with the existing ones. The car was undriveable under any circumstance.

I ended up buying all 4 matching tires and of course then it was "fine"

I should have followed my gut: Don't mix tire brands, make sure all 4 are the identical make and model. Lest you end up like I did.

Good luck!

The car was undriveable under any circumstance? That's difficult to believe. What were the two tire models and respective tread depths? Stock sizes?
I am able to drive my car in dry conditions with any OEM size tires on it.

[J Tinsby]

Originally Posted by Pat

The car was undriveable under any circumstance? That's difficult to believe. What were the two tire models and respective tread depths? Stock sizes?
I am able to drive my car in dry conditions with any OEM size tires on it.

I don't have the old Blizzaks so I can't tell you the model they were. Tread depth was at least 8/32" on the old tires. Same width on the new as the old tires.

When driving on a dry road you could feel that the front tires, the OLD ones, were 'rolling over' more than the rear, NEW ones. Possibly due to a stiffer sidewall, I am guessing. On a wet or slippery road this would have been deadly and it sure didn't inspire confidence on a dry road. Any sudden turn of the wheel to avoid an accident would probably cause one.

WFIW the latest Porsche Panorama mag has a question about tires too. The conclusion is the same as my posting. Don't mix brands or tire models.

If you want to drive with whatever tires on your car it's your business and good luck with it.