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lizcain
By lizcain | AA Member | 1 Post | 29 April 2012 at 8:28pm

Hi,

I replaced a rear tyre 16 months ago on my Mazda 6.
When I recently took my vehicle for a WOF, it was failed because the tread type on the rear tyres were different.

Both tyres are 215/45 R17 one is aBridgestone 87W, the other a Dunlop 91W.
Both tyres are in good condition with good tread.

Can you advise if there has been a recent change in regulations as I would have thought the tyre shop who sold me my new tyre would have advised me at the time that if that would have meant I would have not complied with WOF regulations 6 months ago.

Thanks for your help.

ABayliss
By ABayliss | AA Expert | 2169 Posts | 30 April 2012 at 9:20am

There has not been a change in the regulations. The 87W and 91W you refer to is he load range of the tyre and this should be within 2, so this may be the reason it has failed the WOF.
You don't mention whether or not this is why they have failed you, although I suspect it is. The other common reason for failure is when the tread patterns are incompatible too (ie; are both tyres symetrical tread pattern?)
It's for these reasons that if the exact tyre is no longer available, many tyre outlets will recommend replacing tyres in pairs.