Stock Dunlop SP-31 195/55/R15

tackhouse1 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 01:27 PM

Had a quesation regarding the stock Dunlop SP-31's (15")

Last week I had a blow out while going over a a set of old rail raod tracks.

The tire is unfixable (blew out the sidewall). So the issue is replacing the tire. I have 5600 miles on the car, and the other three tires are in good shape, with plenty of tread left on them.

The issue is that I can not find my stock tire at any local tire shop (Dunlop SP-31 195/55/R15).

Everyone says they are on backorder. Even Tirerack.com has them on backorder.

a Local tire shop said they could put a Yokohama YK520 (of the same size) on in its place, and claim that it wont have any adverse effects.

My question is, is this ok to do? I found another online place that has the Dunlop in stock, but really want to get my tire fixed (riding on the donut spare sucks...)

thoughts?

kenchan · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 03:21 PM

tack- sorry to hear about your tire... shit happens.

anyway, as far as running one different tire... it's not recommended
but if it's the same a/s type tire with similar tread patten it should work
just fine for normal daily driving.

it's when you hit water you may notice major differences in
hydroplaning resistance and traction.

but as far as running different tires on street for most people should be
fine, just dont drive spiritedly. if you think about it, there
are probably hundreds of thousands of cars running different tires on
their cars... even cars with same tires but with f-ed up tire pressures
which is just as bad.

hope you find your tire in the future...check the for sale ads in the forum
too.

sl0wp0k3 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 04:45 PM

as long as you replace *TWO* tires (left and right) instead of just the one, it should be fine. the difference in diameter should not affect the ABS if the tires are the same size.

always replace tires in pairs if you have to.

stevarooney · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 06:31 PM

I actually bought my car used with just the tire you mentioned,at the time it was on the front,I convinced myself at the time there was the slightest effect as to the handling etc.but after rotating and 20k later I found them to be a fine match on the highway and around town.That said if someone would pose me this question as a theoretical,I'd respond like the previous respondent.In actuality it worked out in my case replacing one tire.

BlazeOrangeFitTuner · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 07:38 PM

i had to repalce two of my tires (too many corners too fast) but i went everywhere for them i even waited a two months to see if they would come in, but they didnt and the only place that i found that has them is the dealership. it was actually cheaper then everywhere else.

SD_MR_FIT · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 09:58 PM

pssh i had that happen to me too. i just went to the local tire shop. bought me a used michellin tire for 20 bucks installed (mount and balance) and just slapped it on the rears.

the only reason why i would buy another brand new tire...is if i wanted more grip. but since they are my back up tires, i dont really care.

but just think...save up, when they all go bald, buy you a new set. this happened to me when i had 3k miles. now i have 10k no problems.

doctordoom · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2008, 10:36 PM

i agree with slowpoke, you should try to keep pairs of tires the same, if not all 4.

ghibli99 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 11:10 PM

I just got a flat (it seemed like it happened in an instant, and I heard nothing), and although I have less than a grand on my Fit, I'm going to take this opportunity to get a higher quality set of tires on all 4 corners. The stockers are complete garbage, and now I have a reason. I'd replace all 4 and keep the stockers for backup later.

-Mike

jim@tirerack · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 01:08 PM

The OEM tires seem to be on back order but the Honda dealers can get them. It is always best to have the same tire on all four corners for the best performance. The problem would come up in an emergency situation. When you react to avoid something that pulled in front of you you would now be driving aggressively. You want and need the car to handle its best in that situation. The problem is you never know when those situations are going to arise.

richard612 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008, 01:59 PM

I've been faced with this in the past. I've always been OK as long as I replaced the tire with one of a similar performance category. In other words, don't slap a T speed-rated all-season grandma tire onto a car with R-compound semi-slicks and you'll be fine.