The Mercedes Benz 4matic is the marketing name of all-wheel drive (AWD) cars manufactured by Mercedes Benz. It is primarily designed to increase traction with the road even in very slippery and difficult conditions or terrains.
It is basically a 4 wheel drive system that sends power to all 4 wheels of the vehicle, rather than just either the front wheels or those in the rear, which is the conventional practice.
This design and technology incorporated in 4matic increases the grip and traction of the tires with the road, as well as improve the handling, acceleration, and stability of the vehicle.
In addition, 4matic has superior traction in very inclement weather events than most traditional cars. Nevertheless, does one have to change all the 4 tires on 4matic at the time of tire replacements?
Do I need to replace All 4 Tires On 4matic? Yes, it is highly recommended that you change all four tires for all 4 WD cars at the same time whenever you are making any replacements.
You are required to do so because, in 4 WD cars, the differential works together in order to send the correct amount of torque to each wheel, a feature that minimizes slippage and increases control of the vehicle.
Therefore, if only one tire is of a different size from the others, for whatever reasons, the computer will take a wrong reading and the differential will work too hard. If you should drive the car under this condition for very long, you may burn out the vehicle’s drivetrain in the process.
Do you have to replace all tires if one is bad?
Yes, it is better you replace them all even if only one is bad. This is advised because all the four tires spin independently of one another, and hence have different tread depths or styles, which is quite capable of causing them to spin at different rates also.
Therefore, if you should replace only one tire, it can lead to damage to the drive train, and may also affect the vehicle’s TPMS system as well, if it is installed in the car.
Alternatively, you can replace only one tire if all the other tires have their treads intact. Doing this is because any car with 4 tires that behave the same is well balanced and very predictable too, particularly when accelerating, braking, or negotiating a corner.
Can you put any tires on 4matic?
Of course, you can put any tires on 4matic. This is essential because you need the same size or the same rolling resistance in both the front and rear wheels.
Though you should know that any tires not specifically recommended by Mercedes Benz for use on the vehicle may not eventually give you the stability you want, safety, a good performance, or even the comfort you desire while driving.
Therefore, before you put any new tires on 4matic, ensure that such tires are indeed approved by Mercedes Benz before you install them. Lest you have yourself to blame eventually. We shall discuss more on this later in the article.
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Is it bad to replace all 4 Matic tires once?
No, it is not. In fact, replacing all 4matic tires at once is what is recommended by the manufacturers of the vehicle.
This is because when you do so, you are basically promoting the work of the differentials in the vehicle together in sending the correct amount of torque to each of its wheels, which will reduce slippage and enhance traction with the road. In summary, if you change all its tires together at once, you are making the car much more stable while on the road, no matter its nature.
If on the other hand, you fail to do so, and the tires end up with different treads or different tread patterns, the computer is likely to take a wrong reading, which may overwork the differential.
In the event that you drive with an overworked differential for too long, your drivetrain may be at serious risk of getting damaged.
can you put new tires in front or back of your car?
As a general rule, all new tires should be deployed in the back of the vehicle. This is the conventional practice with very good reasons for doing so. In essence, if you put your new tires in the back as against the front, it gives the vehicle a lot more stability, and if they should have worn out or fewer tire treads, the stability could be reduced or even lost totally in extreme situations.
Can you have two different brands of tires on your car?
Advisedly, as much as possible, avoid mixing different brands of tires in cars, or even tires with different tread patterns. Despite this bit of advice, there are still some rare exceptions in few cases where it is approved for you to mix tires.
However, as a general rule of the thumb, manufacturers do not advise any tire mixing whatsoever. In addition, it may not even be legal to do so, and to make matters worse, the 2 tread patterns may handle differently too.
Do you have to replace all 4 tires on a 4 WD vehicle?
Yes, it is important that you replace all the 4 tires on a 4 WD car whenever you are making any tire replacements.
The suggestion is important because, in a 4 WD vehicle, the differentials are said to work together so that the right amount of torque is eventually relayed to each of its wheels, which will basically reduce slippage in especially difficult terrains and increase traction with the road.
If for whatever reason you change only one tire, the computer may take a wrong reading, as a result of which, the differential may work too hard.
If you drive the vehicle under this condition for a very long time, you risk burning up the vehicle’s drivetrain. So, if you must replace the tires of a 4 Matic, endeavor to replace them all at once.
Is it okay to have mismatched tires?
Essentially, yes, it is okay to use mismatched tires sometimes, but with good reasons only, otherwise, it is not. This is particularly so in 2 WD cars.
Notably, tires of different sizes are prone to wear at different rates and you may also need to replace them sooner because of that. In other words, mismatched tires wear at different rates. However, you can do it if the manufacturer permits it in the vehicle.
This does not eliminate any concern with regards to replacing only one, two, or three tires, or even fitting in various tire brands and sizes in the vehicle.
For instance, mixing all season and winter tires, as well as where you should install the new tires, if you do not plan on replacing all four of them, can become an issue.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can mismatched tires cause vibrations?
Definitely, mismatched tires can and frequently do cause vibrations in the vehicle, sometimes reminiscent of what happens when you are driving a car with a bad wheel bearing.
Vibrations due to mismatched tires happen when the tire treads are either low or unevenly distributed on the tire. In addition to this, such tires can also cause the car to vibrate whether at high or low speeds.
These vibrations are plainly telling you as anything can, that the car has a defective tire or even that the tire is about to come off the vehicle.
Vehicle vibration is also commonly caused by an out-of-balance or defective tire, a bent rim or wheel, or even a worn-out driveline U-joint. Vehicle vibrations are commonly felt through the steering wheel, the seats, or even in the brake pedals, in extreme cases.
Do you have to replace all 4 tires on an all-wheel-drive?
Of course, it is seriously recommended that you change all four tires at once in an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
It is good you do this because, in these sorts of cars, both the computer and differentials work simultaneously or together in order to provide enough torque to each of its wheels, thereby ensuring maximum control of the vehicle while driving at whatever speeds.
Though it is possible to have almost a 3/32 inch tread difference between the tires of any AWD ( All Wheel Drive) or 4 × 4. You should, however, always ensure that the tires are regularly checked or inspected in order to allow for maximum alignment and good tire conditions in the vehicle.
Can you change 1 tire on a 4 × 4?
It is not advised that you change only 1 tire on a 4 × 4 vehicles. When it comes to either an AWD or an FT- 4 WD vehicle, changing only 1 tire is definitely not an option.
Basically speaking, therefore, for all 4 WD cars, it is simply best if you can change your tires in pairs at least. On the other hand, for all-wheel drive ( AWD) or FT- FWD cars, you may just have to change all 4 tires, even if it is only one that is bad. Although, you will be just fine with only 1 new tire on an ATV, which has comparatively low km’s.
Can I replace just 1 front tire?
Yes, you can replace just 1 front tire, if all the others have their treads intact. This is simply because any car with 4 tires that behave the same is balanced and very predictable too, regardless of whether it is accelerating, braking, or even taking a corner.
However, if it were not so, due probably to different tread depths or patterns, you are bound to experience rigorous vibrations and uneven tire wear as well.
It is particularly a very bad idea in an FWD vehicle to change only one front tire among four tires. Be that as it may, it will ultimately depend on how much tire tread depth is left on the front wheels.
What tires does Mercedes Benz recommend?
Mercedes has the habit of being very specific with regards to the use of tires and all other vehicle components with their cars.
Should you deliberately or ignorantly fail to do as the company recommends with respect to how you use their vehicles, you may end up voiding your warranty agreement with the company covering your car. Consequently, you are very strongly advised to use only those tires and all other vehicle accessories recommended by them with their cars.
Any refusal to adhere to this recommendation can cost you unduly. Some of the tires recommended by Mercedes Benz for use with their cars are :
* General Altimax RT 43 tires, which are very durable tires due to the strength of materials used in their designs.
* Continental PureContact LS tires, another household name in the tires worldwide.
* Pirelli Cinturato P 7 All Season Tires. You simply can’t beat them when it comes to tires for all kinds of vehicles and uses.
* Bridgestone Potenza RE 980 AS tires, which definitely do not need any introduction.
* Pirelli P Zero Nero All-Season tires. The in-depth and lengthy researches behind the design and fabrication of these tires is a testament to their competitive qualities.
* Goodyear Eagle F 1 Asymmetric 3 Riwon Flat tires. This brand does not need any introductions as well.
* Michelin Pilot Sports 4 S tires. Whenever you are talking about tires, you are talking in a language Michelin knows more, and for which the company will give you audience too.
Do I need to replace All 4 Tires On 4matic – Conclusion
Tire and rim compatibility is something that cannot be jettisoned for any reason by all drivers if they wish to have both comfortable and safe journeys all the time.
The Mercedes Benz 4matic vehicle is quite unlike most others, for the simple fact that, if you have to change its tires, you just got to change them in pairs or all the four, if you are able to. This may sound a bit too demanding, but the comfort and peace of mind that go with doing so will more than compensate for the bother.
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I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.