I'm contemplating getting some all season tyres for my Kodiaq. I've got the 4x4 and don't want the expense of having to buy 4, so was just going to buy 2 for the front (I'll take the current ones off and keep them to replace the rears when the time comes). However I've heard some folk say you shouldn't change only 2 tyres for different ones on a 4x4 as it can cause issues with the diff etc. is this true? Am I risking damage by only changing the fronts, or will it not make any difference?

Technically speaking the car will tolerate changing tyres on just one axle but in my opinion it is not a good idea to have a large difference like brand new on one end and nearly worn out on the other.

 

These cars are not full time 4WD which is why they don't have a centre differential, but that said, when transmitting torque to the rear wheels the difference in rotational speed between axles may cause 'some' extra stress on the drivetrain.

 

I might be wrong and I may be over cautious but thought I would share my opinion, my opinion may also be wrong so take it with a pinch of salt.

I have heard that this can be an issue but I don't know if it applies to a Kodiaq. It may only apply to full-time 4 wheel drives. I would be more concerned about having two different types on different 'axles' as the grip properties may be sufficiently different to cause handling problems.

Edited 8 October, 20241 yr by Routemaster1461

14 hours ago, AndyMacD said:

I'm contemplating getting some all season tyres for my Kodiaq. I've got the 4x4 and don't want the expense of having to buy 4, so was just going to buy 2 for the front

I really wouldn't fit all seasons on one end of anything with  summers on the other.

Id echo the above and wouldn't mix two all season and two summer tyres.  It probably won't hurt the haldex etc. but it could lead to some 'interesting' handling behaviour in wet or bad weather.

I wouldn't mix All-season with summer tyres too. it's a bad idea.

Here's a demo:

 

 

Having a 4x4 shouldn't make a big difference on the conclusion, I guess...