I watched Scotty's video stating that if you replace one tire on an AWD you need to replace the other 3.
1) Would this apply to a 2012 Rav4 which uses fwd until it detects slippage?
Owners manual of 2012 Rav4 states "Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear" However it is a generic statement, not specifically targeting AWD drive train Rav4s
(I wonder what Toyota means by "remarkably"?)
Thanks.
1) Would this apply to a 2012 Rav4 which uses fwd until it detects slippage?
Yes, it applies especially to you. If you have different size tires on, they will spin at different speeds. The AWD system will think you're slipping, and will constantly being trying to regain traction.
Always follow the manual.
I wonder what Toyota means by "remarkably"?
If you can see the difference in tread wear, don't mix them.
No. Replacing the tires on a FWD application is a different story than an AWD application.
do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear
That's just saying don't mix regular tires with winter tires or a different type of tire.
On any AWD application (regardless of the manufacturer) you MUST change all 4 tires. Otherwise, the computer will get confused and possibly damage the transfer case.
treadWEAR not tread pattern
My 05 matrix has a similar awd system. I bought mine with 3 similar tires and 1 different, I guess they got a blowout at some point. They wisely put the replacement on the rear.
What I have heard is try and keep them within 3/32". With my little tires, that is about 30% tread wear. That is likely a safe gauge to go by, as I have heard it from a few places where I live, and they deal with a ton of awd cars.
I replaced all four tires shortly after I got it, and kept the best 2 old tires, age and same make. They have some wear, I am guessing 10-15k miles wear just by eyeballing it.
My new set now has 5k miles on them, I would not hesitate to put one of the spares on, and I could do until I get at least 25k miles I would think. I would check it before I tossed a spare on, just to be sure it isn't too far off though. Again, I would want to keep the front 2 as the exact same.
The tire shop where I live also suggested a five tire rotation, which sounds like a pretty good idea, because the spare will always be nearly the same as the others.
When companies make an awd system, they have to allow for a bit of difference in tire speed, or diameter, or you could damage it by just going around a sharp curve.
I like what @mmj said, if you can see a difference in tread wear, don't use them. That likely means that they are way different.
yes there's some allowance for turns, but 90% of your driving is straight. Having one tire bigger would be like constantly driving in a circle.
Thanks everyone and Scotty too. I never would have know about this if I hadn't watched his video.