Is it safe to mix tyre brands?

[virden]

a X/F running on 13"  wheels, I have two almost new AO21s and two requiring replacement.  I realise I must eventually  buy a full set, but would much prefer to get the wear out my front two 21s first.  Is it OK and road legal to have different brands front and rear or would doing so screw the handling/ road holding?

[Jonathan Kay]

If you have:

1. Radial tyres front and back AND
2. The same size left and right at each end

then you're probably not breaching any regulations. See the MoT inspection guidance, but of course you can pass that and still be in breach of regulations.

The effects on handling and braking, especially at the limit, are another matter. I think it's unwise to mix on the road unless you've explored them under all relevant conditions. Which is just about impossible.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Kay]

With the unavailability of A021Rs for road use this going to be quite a common problem. I suggest shuffling them down using For Sale.

Jonathan

[Wrightpayne]

Or Wanted 

[Jonathan Kay]

:-)

Jonathan

[Andy Doughty]

I would put them on the back and run them off.

Buying  a pair of new 21's (or used ) would probably result in different grip levels anyway due to age and slight variations in compounds at manufacturing.

Different pressures from front to rear would have created a similar problem.

As already said, drive sensibly until you know the difference in handling. 

[Golf Juliet Tango]

My experience of s/h tyres is dire.  I'll never buy s/h again.