New tyres time :-(

[Allblackdup]

My other issue is the other rear tyre is a budget tyre, also like new. My plan was to put that back in the boot and leave the existing Dunlop on the car. I don't really want to scrap a nearly new tyre otherwise I would just buy 4 new.

[Dezzy]

Right so easy then, buy 1 new Dunlop to match the one on the back, put the buget in the boot and buy a pair of Pirelli's or whatever it is you were thinking about on the front. Job done

[Adrian E]

Or flog the surplus one on eBay if you want a matched set on the car

[HPsauce]

I too would probably sell the surplus tyre, after working out the best way of getting a good match all round.
One factor to also consider is whether you have (or would end up with) a mix of asymmetric and directional tyres. I try to keep all 4 the same and have each "axle" the same brand (and model of tyre if at all possible), ideally all 4 of course.
Personally I don't bother too much about the spare matching in any respect as long as it has reasonable tread; I don't expect it to be used much if at all.

[Allblackdup]

But Shirley selling the spare is going to be a pain in the arse to arrange and there will be the question of how much is it worth and then is it worth doing.....

Despite not wanting Dunlops on it to get the same sort of pattern and a very similar tyre all round I can't see any other choice but get 3 of them. I could get one more for the back and then 2 of a different brand on the front but won't that look odd?

[Adrian E]

Used tyres sell for silly money on eBay - you don't need to wrap it to ship it, just stick a label on and make sure it stays put with loads of tape

I'd want matching pairs as a minimum (mines on pilot sports and super sports pairs atm) and ideally all the same. But I work in vehicle safety and have always preferred having quality tyres on my cars, even the cheap ones

[Dezzy]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

I too would probably sell the surplus tyre, after working out the best way of getting a good match all round.
One factor to also consider is whether you have (or would end up with) a mix of asymmetric and directional tyres. I try to keep all 4 the same and have each "axle" the same brand (and model of tyre if at all possible), ideally all 4 of course.
Personally I don't bother too much about the spare matching in any respect as long as it has reasonable tread; I don't expect it to be used much if at all.

Originally Posted by Adrian E

Used tyres sell for silly money on eBay - you don't need to wrap it to ship it, just stick a label on and make sure it stays put with loads of tape

I'd want matching pairs as a minimum (mines on pilot sports and super sports pairs atm) and ideally all the same. But I work in vehicle safety and have always preferred having quality tyres on my cars, even the cheap ones

So you boys carry 2 spares or 2 jacks? Or would you put a directional tyre the wrong side of the car? Huh? Huh? Go on tell me you're that anal about tyres and then run one the wrong way on the car because you don't have a tyre machine in the boot

Personally i'd be changing an axle at a time and try not to buy directional. Asmmetric tyres don't matter as you have an OUTSIDE edge and unless your tyre fitter can't read will always be mounted properly no matter what side of the car it goes on.

[Allblackdup]

I will at least check out eBay for the sizes and see what's already being advertised.

Ideally I'd want to do a minimum 2 as well (I have to do the fronts) but I hate the fact the back is a mix of a good Dunlop tyre and a crap (albeit new) budget one.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

So you boys carry 2 spares.

Nope.
I try and avoid rotational tyres, but my car currently has them fitted by a previous owner. Spare is non-rotational (bought recently used on eBay).
But if I had one I'd use a rotational tyre on the wrong side and get it changed in direction by a tyre shop ASAP. See above:

Personally I don't bother too much about the spare matching in any respect as long as it has reasonable tread; I don't expect it to be used much if at all.

If I did fit the spare I'd get a "proper" matching tyre back on ASAP and drive appropriately meanwhile.