I need to change two tyres (got crack already), while keeping the newer and still usable tyres (currently mounted on front). I... don't really know what model the tyres I'm keeping are (they're continental for sure) as I'm noob and this car is 2nd hand so I do not have the details.

My Subaru XV 2.0i is AWD. When changing a pair of tyres, how should I handle the rotation? Think I read before that AWD should rotate front-to-back as well as side-to-side unlike FWD?

In terms of brand, from survey I think in mid-budget range got Toyo CR1, Hankook K135, Falken Wildpeak, Continental UC6 (I think this one costs a bit more than the others?). General vibe I get is that Toyo is reliable and no fuss, so leaning towards that. Any advise on this? The usage is primarily highway driving (commute roughly 70km) and my priority is safety and durability over long time (so not looking for those 'nice' tyre which wear out quite fast).

Final question - tyre shop tend to have reviews which are all over the place (both on FB and google maps), how do I identify one which is reliable? I don't mind if its not the cheapest, good workmen should be paid for their expertise, but many comments in this forum are like "alignment they will just raise and lower your car then charge you" and similar vibe. My area is Subang Jaya if it helps.

inspect ur wheels . any uneven issues.
steering straight or not. dont align unless necessary.

make 100% uturn and feel any difference between L--R

btw take a look at spare together decide replace or not

Best method in most cases to rotate AWD is the rearward cross. Both rears move to the front on the same sides, and the fronts are moved to the rear on opposite sides. Your rear left goes to front left, rear right goes to front right. Your front right goes to rear left and front left goes to rear right.

As for the tyres you have mentioned, Hankook K135 (VentusPrime 4) is easily the best among the options listed. UC6 SUV in second and CR1 SUV the third.

The tires i used for my Xv1 225/55/R17 size before

1st: Pirelli Scorpion Verde
2nd: Nexen RU1
3rd: Falken Wildpeak AT

All the above are SUV rated tires

If want Toyo, they got 1 tire range for MPV/Crossover - TRANPATH MPZ
Got seen few member using it.

Is Hankook K135(VP4) suitable for an SUV or can a normal touring tyres use on SUV?
Or we really need tyres built for SUV?

https://www.hankooktire.com/my/en/tire/vent...5&fr=55&inch=17

In website already clearly stated for passenger car. VP4 is not SUV tire at first, SUV tire got better side wall protection (double layer) & overall built. If you always like to hit pot holes, bump at high speed and go thru bad road condition selecting a proper SUV tire can reduce the chance of damaging it.

If you always drive in city with good road condition, you can just go any tires you like.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Feb 14 2024, 03:13 PM

I am certainly not an expert nor do I have a Subaru. I once was interested in Subaru and from what I can gather:
1. All 4 tires must have same diameter.
2. If they are not, then the different must not be 1/4" in diameter. That is about equivalent to the tire thread different of not more than 2/32" or 1.6 mm. I find a new SUV tires generally have about 7 mm when new.

It is so troublesome that I gave up on Subaru.

Hope that helps.

This post has been edited by touristking: Feb 14 2024, 03:56 PM

The solution is simple, every 10k (during service) rotate the tires and do alignment you will have all 4 tire balance in wear.

What I meant was, if you have 1 tire damaged and you might have to change all 4.

You can ask for tire turing or shaving.
If other 3 tires still new you can still gamble with 1pcs replacement.
Besides that, most local CKD Subaru also got spare tire to use.
For short term should be no issue.

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/...es-a4235415952/

Extra trouble/expense is one of the reason I stick to 2WD. Because I normally just stick to tar roads and there are no snow here and avoid to be a hero on rain soaked roads.

FYI, modern 2WD rides with Vehicle Stability Control/ABS also need proper tire condition as tire size & wear will impact the braking performance. Dont believe, go read your car manual book. I personally read Toyota Corolla Cross manual book before and it also mentioned about it under 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance. Under tire session.

Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.

Most feedback only need to replace at least 2pcs for FWD per axle, that will be good for those older vehicle with not much safety features. Even 1pcs replacement is not a good idea for modern FWD rides nowadays.

Replace in pair is OK for Honda.
It's less stringent compared to Subaru's. AFAIK, the differences between tires shouldn't be more than 1.6mm.

1.6mm still very less, if you did not align & rotate the tires one or 2 round confirm will over the limit. If you follow as per manual book, most will also tell you to rotate & allgn the tires every 10k.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Feb 22 2024, 02:45 PM

That is why I did not consider Subaru.

FYI Subaru AWD tires' tread depth difference for all 4 within 2/32~3/32 = 1.6mm~2.38mm.

Not sure where you get more stringent in term of treat difference allowance.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Feb 22 2024, 02:46 PM

so if a tire has a 1.6mm difference, is that OK for Subaru?

You will need to check between the old and new tires. As i mentioned before if the other 3 are quite new the difference not much you can replace 1pcs. But if other 3 already worn down quite a lot, replacing a new 1 with wide difference will damage or wear the AWD differential and also impact ABS/VSC safety features.