Following a recent mishap my car is in the shop being repaired. Insurance will replace my right rear tire (the one that smacked the curb ), however, my left rear and both front tires will be the originals. The tires have about 7,000 miles of average wear on them...no racing, etc.

I'm wondering if this will create a dangerous situation from unequal gripping capability, or will cause any other sort of problems?

Thanks for the info and opinions.

 

I'm not an expert on this, but I would be worried about the limited-slip differential we have in this car. I think if the two rear tires are sufficiently different in size, this will cause excessive wear in the differential.

 

I would tend to think all four as well. With 7K on the rear tires they are probably 1/2 worn. If nothing else go with 3 tires. The front would probably be fine. You can measure the tread depth and if there is more than 6/32" then you don't have to do four tires.
If I can help let me know.

 

I would suggest at least buying a twinkie rear tire of same make for the other side...assuming your insurance didn't buy you a piece of crap.