What can happen if you put 1 different size tire on a all wheel drive vehicle?

Answer 1

Absolutely, do not do this! I have managed a tire store for the last 12 years, and live in an area full of all-wheel-drive/4-wheel-drive vehicles. My wife and I also own a 1998 Lincoln Navigator, with 234,000 miles on it.

Years ago, I watched customers mismatch on this type of vehicle against my recommendation, only to destroy the differential. We will no longer mismatch tires on vehicles, waiver or not. We have adopted this as our company policy. We will only install four matching tires, including size, brand, and make--even tires made of the same size specifications, but different brands, will still cause damage to the gears of your differential. Even smaller spare tires are only meant for short distances.

It would be well worth your effort to find the one exact match for your set of tires, or purchase a set of four matching tires. The set of tires would be less expensive than replacement of the differential.

Absolutely, do not do this! I have managed a tire store for the last 12 years, and live in an area full of all-wheel-drive/4-wheel-drive vehicles. My wife and I also own a 1998 Lincoln Navigator, with 234,000 miles on it.

Years ago, I watched customers mismatch on this type of vehicle against my recommendation, only to destroy the differential. We will no longer mismatch tires on vehicles, waiver or not. We have adopted this as our company policy. We will only install four matching tires, including size, brand, and make--even tires made of the same size specifications, but different brands, will still cause damage to the gears of your differential. Even smaller spare tires are only meant for short distances.

It would be well worth your effort to find the one exact match for your set of tires, or purchase a set of four matching tires. The set of tires would be less expensive than replacement of the differential.