Tyre tread depth issue when buying just one tyre

[beaker218]

Hi
I'm hoping someone here can give me some advice.

I replaced 2 rear tyres last month on my W212 sport. Then 2 days ago I got a screw in one of them close to the edge so had to buy another! I also have a slow puncture on the near-side front which is leaking air in 3 places so I don't want to repair it and would prefer to buy a new one.

I would normally always buy a pair of tyres but the off-side front has a tread depth of 5mm on the outer and 6mm in the middle and inner.

For safety reasons I am wondering if it would still be wise to buy 2 new front tyres, or as the depth of the current good front tyre is only 2mm less than a new one, would it be OK just to replace the slow puncture.
Thanks
Allan

 

[markjay]

MB say that all tyres should be of same make and model and similar condition (not to 'confuse' the ESP).

Said that... I have been in your position twice so far, and realistically there is no practical alternative other than to drive around with slightly mismatched tyres - in your case 2mm difference.

This does have a knock-on effect however when the other tyres needs replacing... so eventually you'll need to byte the bullet and replace both tyres at the same time or you'll be playing 'catch-up' forever....

 

[grober]

I assume the rear tyres are different from the front?? I would go for two new front tyres as you are more likely to get a car that runs "straight" from the off. You haven't said what mileage there is on the fronts but don't don't chuck away that good part worn front - you might need it! Sounds as if you drive in places where you readily pick up punctures.

ps just make sure the tyre fitting outfit know you want to keep the good front to avoid damage when they remove it.

 

[MDC250]

I'd go for 2 new tyres as well, you could make a little back flogging your good tyre on likes of Gumtree, Fleabay or even here maybe?

I'm going to have to bite the bullet on my fronts, outside edge is completely slick with good tread over the rest of the tyre.

 

[anfieldassasin]

2 New tyres or as mentioned you'll forever be playing catch up, sell the other or keep as spare on a steel rim for emergencies

 

[TheFoX]

When I bought my C220 from Listers Mercedes, the front nearside had a Bridgestone Potenza and the front offside had a Bridgestone Turanza. One was a performance tyre while the other was a budget tyre. What a mismatch.

Now if a main dealer can sell a car with a mismatch like that, I wouldn't worry about a couple of mill difference in tread on the same axle.

Besides, not long after buying the vehicle I changed the Turanza to a Potenza to match with the other tyre, and there was several mill difference between the tread.

As for safety, as long as there is more than three mill both sides, you'll get good grip.

Alternatively, if you do want to change both at the same time, see if you can get a rebate on the part worn, as the garage will sell it on as a part worn and make money out of it.

 

[Bjm34new]

^^^^^
As said I wouldn't worry about the tread depth just keep the tyres matched across axle.

I have replaced 1 tyre on the front and just swapped the new 1 onto the nearside as that always wears quicker due to the amount of islands I take on my daily commute.