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Can wrong size tires damage differential?
TOM: Well, to answer your last question first, Stuart: Yes. Using two different-size wheels on the driven wheels of a vehicle (the front wheels of your truck are driven in four-wheel-drive mode) will eventually ruin a differential.
What happens if tires are different sizes?
Mismatched wheels will fit each tire differently causing uneven wear and tear. In addition, different sized wheels can lead to different sized tires which can be detrimental to your vehicle. The best case scenario is to buy the same original equipment wheels that came on your vehicle.
Can you run two different size tires on the same axle?
No. Mixing different tread patterns across the same axle is not allowed. The identical tyre model and tread pattern must be fitted for a single axle. That said, tyre experts – including Protyre, Continental, and TyreSafe – strongly recommend that you fit the same tyres on all wheel positions of your vehicle.
Can you use different size tires than recommended?
The short answer is: Yes. But does wheel size matter? Tires are a part of the wheel setup. For instance, your vehicle has a set size of rims, but you can buy different sizes of tires to fit those rims, as long as the middle of the tires is the correct size.
Can a change in tire size damage the differential?
Yes, that can do damage to your differential. The thing is, a differential is designed to take up the difference in travel between your tires as you turn. It’s also designed to correct for minor amounts of slip on the road as you drive.
What happens when your tires are the same size?
The differential assembly allows different rates of speed of the tires and wheels from side-to-side during turns, and still allows the vehicle to be propelled. When your tires are the same size, the differential has an easy life as the internal gears do not do any work unless there is a difference in speed, such as turning.
What happens when two wheel drive tires are mismatched?
Mismatched tire sizes on a two-wheel drive vehicle will affect various drivetrain components and could cause harm. One area in particular is the differential assembly. The differential assembly allows different rates of speed of the tires and wheels from side-to-side during turns, and still allows the vehicle to be propelled.
Can a wrong size tire damage your car?
The fender liner acts as a barrier and protection against direct contact damage, but excessive bumping and pressure sent through the fender liner could cause hazardous damage to these components. Adding tire sidewall is another common tire size adjustment, especially from an aesthetic standpoint on trucks and SUVs.