I have a pair of Dunlop SP Winter Sport M2 (255-40-17) for my rear wheels and is shopping for a pair of fronts. The only Dunlop snows I can find is SP Winter Sport 3D. Both the Dunlop M3 and M2 do not offer sizes 205-50-17 for the fronts.

Is it okay using other manufacturer .. ie Michelin, Bridgestone, etc. ? As noted above, my only choice is Winter Sport 3D if I stayed with Dunlop. I'm considering Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 if I can venture into other tire manufacturer.

 

If you don't care about the mix matched brands, it will not affect anything. Afterall, they are just for "low" performance winter driving...right?

 

Correct ... I don't care much on mixed brand and the intent is "slower" winter driving. My concern is driverbility and performance with different tread patterns. I guess if the brands are paired up (front - michelin and rear - dunlop), it shouldn't be a problem.

 

If you keep them in pairs then you wont have problems.

Edit: Dunlop makes a 215/45 in the M3 tire.

 

Call me, I can see what I can come up with and hopefully keep you in Dunlops on all four corners.