Hey guys opinion on if having different brand tires, of the same size on an AWD vehicle is going to damage the power train? In theory I understand why it ls a good idea to have four the same but they are out of the tire I got last time and I don't want to wait and need new fronts as well. Vehicle is a 2013 AWD ATS

 

The tires have to be within 1/16" all the way around so you pretty much have to buy 4 new ones. Different brands are slightly different in terms of width and height for the same size tire so not recommended.

 

Some places offer shaved tires if your others arent too worn.

 

any good tire shop wouldnt sell you just 2 tires for an awd vehicle, even if they are the same brand/series of tire thats on it. as said, more than 2/32" difference in tread depth is enough to cause driveline damage, and if a tire shop installed them on your vehicle and you had damage they could actually be held liable.

end result, just dont do it. if your rear tires are still in decent condition keep them and sell them on craigslist.

 

When I had my wrx the owners manual said basically what the 2 previous posts said. I think anything more than a 5% difference in tire would mess up the center diff.