Tire Queery: Same Brand/Size, Different Year?

[RC88]

I currently have three Barum Polaris 2 P205/50R17 snow tires on my 2006 Subaru Legacy. They have about (5,000 KM on them) My 4th tire hit a flat and couldn't be saved, but so I need to buy a new one. Barum Polaris 2 is discontinued, but I can get a Barum Polaris 3 P205/50R17 (same brand/same size/same everything, simply different generation). I'm concerned about the different treads affecting my vehicle. I don't drive a lot (3-6,000 KM a year) but I don't want to ruin my alignment or spin out because Montreal winters can be tough. Is purchasing that tire to complete my set a bad idea?

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks!
RC

[pzr2874]

As long as the tread depth is within 3/32, you should be fine.

[brfatal]

Originally Posted by pzr2874

As long as the tread depth is within 3/32, you should be fine.

That only applies if we were talking about the same exact tire (and it's 2/32" tread). It needs to be within 1/4" rolling circumference. There are some tires from the same brand but different models that vary more than that out of the factory. I can't speak for these.

[pzr2874]

oops.. good catch.

[mosc]

1) find out if the Barum Polaris 2 and the Barum Polaris 3 are "axle compatible" with each other. Some tires are, some aren't. If they are, then you can treat them like the same tire for these purposes.

2) 5km is not a lot of wear, but it is some. You want each tire to be within 1/4" rolling circumference as mentioned above. This is not the end of the world though, you could get the new tire shaved a little bit to match your other three. It's doable.

2 is only even an issue if the new tire is axle compatible. If it's not, all 4 must go.

[man show]

Mosc hit the nail on the head. Treat that advice like gold.