QuestionWe get a loud, almost rhythmic, grinding noise at highway speeds. It comes from the back tires, and at 60-80mph, it drowns out the audio system, and passengers have to bellow at each other to be heard.
OK, here's the complication -- we live in a densely-populated, downtown area, and that means that we've lost 3 of our original tires to things like sidewall cuts, broken bottles, construction debris, etc. Every time that we've had a critically-damaged tire, circumstances have forced us to grab the nearest new tire available -- and so we now have three different brands of tires on the car! The Big Question is this: Before I go to the expense of replacing tires so that they will all match, are there other possible remedies to try first? And, if I end up buying new tires to match them with each other, is it foolish to just have the two front ones match, and the two back ones match --but not match all around?
Any input is welcome!
AnswerHello, thanks for asking.
If you want to get raid of the noise, you will need to have all tires match.
Also by having all tires match you will get:
- better gas mileage
- better braking / stopping
- better control
- better handling, even more so in rain/snow
All tires should match on each axle. But to get raid of the problem for sure, replace all tires,
Sounds like you replace tires a lot and/or worried about the cost.
In this case, I would recommend getting BFGoodrich tires. Good tires and cost less. Go with a tire that has been around, so if you have to replace one you can match it.
You may want to pay for road hazard or flat repair to cover the problems you say are around you.
Cheap tires, are cheap and worthless.
If money is an issue, then match two tires on each axle and see if that helps, if not then repalce all 4.
John
