Can I mix different tyre brands front and back on a 4x4?
I have a 2011 BMW X1 xDrive on run flats. I don’t mind the harsh ride but they are Pirelli P7 and seem to lack grip in winter. It has 255/40 R18 95V on the back and 225/45 R18 91V front. I expect to need new replace rears this year (rather costly) and would like cross climates but not to change all four at once as the fronts have a lot of tread to go. Can I get suitable run flats and phase the rear and fronts?
Asked on 27 January 2019 by Patrick Hogan
Answered by
Honest John
You can't mix tyres with cold weather tyres and you definitely can't mix tyres with an automatic 4WD system. You can't get Cross Climate ZPs anyway. It's probably a matter of succumbing to the BMW winter package system whereby you pay the dealer a couple of grand for a set of winter tyres on rims (preferably smaller rims with deeper profile tyres), then swap back to summers in April.
Cold-snap snow-how: Advice on coping with the freezing weather, including videos, facts and winter driving advice.
Honest John's Guide To Winter Tyres
From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.
Tyre News And AdviceSimilar questions
I need to take my Jag XF AWD once each year to Luxembourg during October. Do I need cold climate tyres and if so which do you recommend? Priorities are comfort and legal.
After 8500 miles (from new) I noticed a rumbling coming from the rear nearside tyre on my C250 AMG Line estate. The tyres are Continental 255/35R19Y run flats. When I took the car to my local tyre suppliers...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Compact off-roader available with two or four-wheel drive. Car-like to drive. Economical diesel engine with various power outputs. Usefully large boot.
Elsewhere on 
