I got a flat on my X type i was told by someone that i have to change all my tires, but i spoke to my mechanic and he said once the front tires have more than 70% thread life left ill only have to change the pair in the back. Is that true ? also does the thread pattern have to match excatly to the ones in front ? because i am currently running a marangoni zeta linea tire that isnt available in the US anymore.... your expertise help is needed asap, i dont wanna damage my transfer case

 

Well, I have a 2003 with the viscous coupling in the transfer case.

I've run various assorted tires with no perceptible difference. When I got the car, it had 2 worn out front Pirelli's and 2 fair rear Michelin's. It drove perfectly.

I then had a blowout on the front, and installed one new Michelin Primacy on the L front from Costco. It still drove fine. However, the new tire clearly had less grip than the Pirelli on the other side. (I mentioned this because Primacy's are not "driving enthusiasts" tires)

Eventually, I installed 3 new Primacy's and moved the 50% one to the Left Rear. Car drives fine.

 

THe trick with an AWD car is attempting to keep the tires fairly even when it comes to tread wear. The general rule of thumb is keeping the tires within 0.5" of each other. So, for the most part, as long as you are running the same size tire (215/45R17 for example), then you are within the 0.5" of difference. But, as most will recommend, the closer the better. But, you have no problem running say 2 new tires on the front and semi worn tires on the other end.

 

great so i should be good then, thanks 4 the help

 

Well, if I was not clear, I had one new and one bald tire, different brands, on the front. Honestly, the car drove just fine. There is no front limited slip on the X-type (as far as I know) so the slight diff in tire diameter does not cause any issues.

 

cujet, you will be just fine. Brand of tire doesn't matter. The size of tire is more important. But, like I mentioned, tread wear is of minimal effect here. Get the 1 tire and call it good.