What is the risk of mismatching tires on the same axle of a vehicle with all-wheel drive?

The primary risk of mismatching tires on the same axle of a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) is damage to the AWD system's components, such as the center differential or transfer case. AWD systems are designed to distribute torque between the front and rear axles. If tires with different diameters or tread patterns are used on the same axle, they will rotate at different speeds. This difference in rotational speed creates a continuous speed differential between the front and rear axles, forcing the center differential or transfer case to constantly compensate. This continuous compensation generates excessive heat and stress within the AWD system, leading to premature wear and eventual failure of its components. Some AWD systems are more sensitive to tire mismatch than others, but it is generally recommended to use tires that are the same brand, model, size, and tread depth on all four wheels of an AWD vehicle to avoid damaging the system.