It's time for me to buy new tires -- or the fronts as least -- for my 95 Maxima (stock 15'' rims). I currently have 215/70R15 tires all around. I really like a certain tire; however, it just so happens that it is not available in my current size. The question is whether or not varying tire size between fronts and backs in a FWD car is a good idea. I'd hate to replace all of the tires if I don't have to. If it helps, I was thinking of getting either 215/65 or 225/60 for the new tires (still on same rims). I know I'll probably have to have the speedometer, et al. corrected -- it's not really an issue.

 

Actually the correct size is 205/65/15 or 215/60/15. 215/70/15 is too tall a size and your speedometer is actually off right now!

In the 205/65/15 or 215/60/15 size, check out the Dunlop Sport A2 or Bridgestone RE950. You won't be dissapointed, as both as excellent tires.

 

Do you recommend, then, that I replace all tires, or will leaving the old backs until they wear be sufficient?

 

Do all 4, that way you'll have the same rubber compound and handling characteristics.(sp?) It's much better to have 4 of the same tire.

 

Replace all four. It's not worth the hassle of having to replace the tires when the two old tires wear out later on. Believe me, the money you spend today will be trivial compared to the amount of time you save later on. I've found that when dealing with my car expenses, better to get it all over now (even if the cost is a little higher) with than having to worry about it in the future.

But if you cannot afford it, I see no reason why running different size tires front and rear would be bad for the car. Perhaps it may cause funny braking characteristics, but as long as you keep the same size on each axle, you should be fine although 215/70 is 10% larger circumference than 215/60.

 

In general all tires should be the same size for proper handling. If you have ABS with different size tires, you'll probably get an error code, because the wheels will be turning at different speeds.

 

i ran two different size tires on my old grand prix. i dont remember the sizes but i know the one tire was a lot taller than the others. i had em on for prob about 9 months and no problems. go for it but put the old tires up front so you arent runnin em like that forever

 

You will be fine running different tire sizes front and back. I did it for almost a month.