fmp

iTrader: (7)

Is running a different brand of tyres front and rear ok on an STI?

I need two new tyres, but after a quick scout around cant seem to get a pair of RE070 (feel free to point me in the right direct tho!)

So is it safe to run different brands front and rear (same size of course), or is this a big no no on the Impreza?

Many thanks!

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

You'll be fine. Its differences on the same axles that can cause issues.

bob r

iTrader: (46)

Yes as above unless, you are into serious track driving.

fmp

iTrader: (7)

many thanks guys!

cster

In my experience, different types of tyre have different characteristics on "break away", by which I mean the point when they start to slide.
More so in wet and greasy conditions.
I wouldn't do it unless you are going to drive around like an OAP.

Flix

Totally agree, I've got T1Rs on the front and cheap naff on the back. Any sign of rain and the rear breaks away. Going to change them before too long, hopefully before I spin it.

evil.soup

iTrader: (1)

Not sure how much of an issue it is on an Impreza, but i had different front and back on my last car (MR2 Roadster) and it screwed up the handling. I know they are different beasts, but i dont think i would mix tyre types again on a performance car.

TopBanana

I've used differnt sorts of tyre in the past to improve handling. Make sure you test in the wet - that's when things can get nasty

exvaux

iTrader: (1)

As above,i have a 3 grand bill to prove it bridgestones on the front and god knows what on the back on a typeR in the wet first time out=big mistake

GeeDee

iTrader: (2)

Personally, I wouldn't consider mixing any tyres on the Impreza as there are too many variables with regard to construction, compounds, stiffness, etc which would affect handling.

With a specialist tyre like the RE070, it is my view there there is no way anyone should consider mixing with any thing else. Suggest industrial bubble wrap for the bodywork if anyone should be so wreckless.

Despite my comments above, I temporarily put some nearly new Avons on the front of my car when I discovered my front Bridgestones were nearly bald on the inner edge. This was purely to allow me a little time to get some new rubber all round whilst remaining legal. A combination of nearly new Avons on the front and nearly illegal Bridgstones on the rear resulted in very dangerous handling in the wet…. The understeer was so bad I thought my steering had failed – and, yes, I do mean understeer. I think they must have made the Avons with butter.

exvaux

iTrader: (1)

That was the tyres it came with from the dealer,one of my many issues i had with them i aked at the time was told it was fine,they wouldnt sell it like that if it wasnt

TopBanana

All those variables come down to one thing - balance. (Maybe two things, balance in the dry and balance in the wet).