Tires: Mixing Brands, limited slip differential, mercury cougar

Question
Hi Barry,
I have a 1993 Mercury Cougar V8 with rear wheel drive and a limited slip differential.  I need two new tires.  Is it all right to go with another brand for the two tires as long as I stay with the same size, traction rating, and all weather radial, which is what I have?  Should the new tires be mounted on the front or rear axle?
George


Answer
George,

Obviously the safest thing to do is have 4 tires of the same size and type and state of wear.  This is easily accomplished with regular rotations.

You increase your risk if you do something else and in my opinion here is the order of increasing risk

*  Different state of wear
*  Different tire size same manufacturer
*  Different manufacturer same tire type
*  Different tire type same manufacturer

And so on with the above in combinations.

If you decide to do something than all 4, it is usually best for the new tires should go on the rear - to minimize the effects of hydroplaning.

Hope this helps.