Skoda Octavia 2.0 PD Tdi - Replace both rear tyres or only one?

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Sun 9 May 2010 11:34
Skoda Octavia 2.0 PD Tdi - Replace both rear tyres or only one? - mountaintraveller

Re a 56 reg Octavia 2.0 PD TDi purchased s/h in good condition ex fleet late 2009. Came with well-reviewed tyres, front 2 x Michelin Primacy HP w 6mm tread, rear 2x Pirelli P7 with 4-5mm tread, tyres been on 2 yrs done 35k miles. One rear Pirelli punctured at the w/e and put on the spare - a Dunlop SP Sport 01A with 8mm tread. Been used, as muddy, but 8mm tread.

Should I replace both rear tyres to ensure two same (per all vehicle/tyre manufacturer advice) or would that be overkill given the spare had 8mm tread?! Owner's manual says 'Never fit tyres which have already been used without knowing their previous history', but what's the risk? What should I be looking for? The DOT manufacture date was 3306.

Secondly, how much does it matter if replace the other rear tyre with something 'similar' to the Dunlop SP Sport 01A but not exactly the same? None of my local tyre fitters seem to do the Dunlop SP Sport 01A, but there is a Dunlop SP Sport 01.

Apologies if simple/obvious q - newbie to car maintenance, so many thanks for all advice!

Regards

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Wed 12 May 2010 15:46
Skoda Octavia 2.0 PD Tdi - Replace both rear tyres or only one? - cphardcastle

It's personal choice at the end of the day to be honest but replacing both would technically be safer than just replacing one.

If it were me and the spare was ok I'd be inclined to put that back in the boot knowing you have a good tyre for emergencies and put two new tyres on the rear to ensure you have a good set across the axle.

This should give you uniform handing from both sides of the car rather than having mis-matched tyres that perfom differently due to different tread patterns, wear rates and rubber compounds etc.

Having said all that I'm sure there are plenty of people who, most likely for financial reasons, replace only one tyre at a time and never have a problem.

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