Brian Onyango
Updated on October 28, 2022
Tires are extremely important components of a car because, without them, the car is immobile. And even when you have them on a car but they are not in a good condition, they can cause a variety of issues and endanger your life and the lives of others.
So, tire maintenance is just as important as car maintenance itself. They impact the drivetrain, fuel economy, and how the vehicle handles it. When one or more tires are mismatched, it can cause drivetrain damage.
Drivetrain damage from mismatched tires is a very serious problem and the effects may differ based on the type of drivetrain. On a two-wheel drive car, mismatched tire sizes often lead to damage to the differential assembly alongside other components. The differential is a set of gears that helps power the wheels.
On four-wheeled cars, a tire mismatch can cause severe damage to the drivetrain as well as the transfer case, which controls the distribution of power to the front and rear axles. The transfer case is a very expensive component to replace and if it fails, it renders the car immobile.
In short, drivetrain damage from mismatched tires is a very serious issue that should be avoided at all costs. It is important to regularly check your tires for wear and tear and to replace them when necessary. Be sure to consult with a professional if you are unsure about anything related to tire maintenance.
What Is Drivetrain Damage?
A drivetrain is a system in a vehicle that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. The drivetrain includes the transmission, axles, and driveshaft. Drivetrain damage refers to the malfunctioning of the system due to a variety of reasons.
The most common cause of drivetrain damage is improper maintenance. This can include not changing the oil often enough, not checking fluid levels, and not replacing damaged parts. The damage can also be caused by off-roading, accidents, and natural disasters.
Symptoms of a Bad Drivetrain
There are several symptoms of a bad drivetrain. These include: Binding in the drivetrain
- A loss of power
- Strange noises
- Vibrations
- Difficulty steering
- A burning smell coming from the engine bay
Effects of Mismatched Tires on Drivetrains
As we already mentioned, the type of drivetrain will affect the severity of damage caused by mismatched tires.
Two-Wheel Drive
On two-wheel drive cars, the mismatched tires majorly affect the differential assembly. The differential assembly is useful in distributing power to the wheels.
When your tires are the same size, the differential has an easy life because the internal gears do not have to work unless there is a speed difference, such as when turning. Even going straight down the road, there is a difference in speed with two different tire sizes. This will quickly overwork the differential and harm it.
Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive
When it comes to four-wheel drive, having mismatched tires can ruin the transfer case. The transfer case is what helps deliver power from the engine to both the front and rear axles. When you have different tire sizes, especially on opposite sides, it can cause a lot of binding in the drivetrain. This binding will put a lot of stress on the gears inside the transfer case and damage them.
Reasons Behind ‘Mismatched Tires’
Different Tread Pattern
Tires come in different tread patterns. Some are designed for off-roading while others are made for wet weather or dry conditions. It is important to have the right tread pattern for the type of driving you will be doing. If you mix different tread patterns, it can cause the tires to grip differently, which can lead to drivetrain damage.
Different Tire Sizes
Different tire sizes can also cause mismatching. This is because differently sized tires will have different diameters. When the diameters are different, it throws off the speed at which the tires are rotating and this can cause all sorts of problems, including drivetrain damage.
Worn Tires
Ununiformly worn tires are another common reason behind mismatched tires. When a tire is worn, it will have a smaller diameter than a relatively new tire. This can cause the same problem as different-sized tires and lead to drivetrain damage.
How to Prevent Drivetrain Damage From Mismatched Tires
Regular Tire Maintenance
The best way to prevent drivetrain damage from mismatched tires is to regularly maintain your vehicle tires. This involves ensuring that your tires are the same size and have the same tread pattern. It is also important to regularly check the condition of your tires and replace them when necessary.
Purchase the Right Tire Size for Your Vehicle
When purchasing new tires, be sure to get the right size for your vehicle. You can consult your owner’s manual or a professional to find out what size tires are best for your car.
Be Mindful of Your Driving habits
If you regularly drive in off-road conditions or bad weather, be sure to purchase tires that are designed for those conditions. Do not use regular tires in these conditions as it can lead to drivetrain damage. Also avoid hard acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns as these can also damage your drivetrain.
Replace Worn Tires
As we mentioned earlier, worn tires can cause drivetrain damage. To prevent this, be sure to regularly check the condition of your tires and replace them when necessary. It is good to replace your tires in sets of four to avoid mismatched tires.
The Dangers of Driving With a Damaged Drivetrain
Safety Hazard
Safety should always be your number one priority when driving. If you have a damaged drivetrain, it can lead to a loss of control of your vehicle. This can be extremely dangerous and put you and others on the road at risk.
Can Void your Vehicle’s Insurance
Another danger of driving with a damaged drivetrain is that it can void your vehicle’s insurance. If you are in an accident and it is determined that your drivetrain was damaged, your insurance company may refuse to pay out. This can leave you stuck with a hefty repair bill.
Expensive Repairs
Driving with a damaged drivetrain can also be expensive. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace several parts of your drivetrain. This can cost a lot of money and leave you without a vehicle for a long period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Replace All Four Tires on Your AWD Vehicle?
The choice to replace all four tires on your AWD vehicle is ultimately up to you. However, it is generally recommended to do so. This is because having mismatched tires can cause drivetrain damage.
What Happens If You Put New Tires on the Front of Your Car and Not the Rear?
When you put new tires on the front of your car and not the rear, it can cause mismatching. This is because the front and rear tires will have different diameters. This can lead to drivetrain damage.
Can I Use Mismatched or Mixed Tires?
Even though you can use mismatched or mixed tires, it is not recommended. This is because it can lead to drivetrain damage.
Conclusion
Drivetrain damage caused by mismatched tires is a serious issue, and the consequences vary depending on the type of drivetrain. Mismatched tire sizes on a two-wheel drive vehicle can damage various vehicle components, including the differential assembly.
A four-wheel drive vehicle’s drivetrain is even more vulnerable to damage. Mismatched tires can harm the transfer case, which controls power distribution to the front and rear axles. The transfer case is a costly component to replace, and if it fails, the vehicle will become immobile.
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