Unlike tire sizes

[malsgoing130]

Hi All,
This may be a silly question but can you mix tire sizes on the same axle, say i keep my 265/75 16 as the spare but the rest of the tires are new 255/85 16 could this do any damage? The diameters are more or less the same its just the width that varies. Any advice?
Cheers
Mal

[Allan]

Long arm of the law say you can not have different tyre sizes on vehicles in WA as far as I Know.
Allan

[2stroke]

255/85r16 are taller (33.3") than 265/75r16 (31.9-32.1" varies brand to brand), 235/85 r16 are closer, but I wouldn't do it on my Defender.

[JDNSW]

It is, as said, probably illegal (although smaller spares are used on quite a few cars, and used solely as a spare it is unlikely you would get booked) and even small differences in diameter are not a good idea for extended use - the differential gear both in the axles and the transfer case do not have antifriction bearings, and will not take kindly to being in continuous use for long periods of time.

John

[wisey110]

I wouldn't do it at all....I think it'd put alot of stress on your drivetrain being different sizes.

[malsgoing130]

Thanks for all the responses, ive decided to bite the bullet and buy 5 new tyres, so ill get rid of the 1 good 265/75 16 some way or other.
Cheers
Mal

[2stroke]

Good choice, after all it's only money.

[malsgoing130]

lol, yes but the problem with new tyres is that they always seem to be puncture magnets. So heres holding thumbs.
Cheers
mal