Can I replace just one car tire?
2 Answers
It is possible to replace just one car tire. Steps for tire replacement: 1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle to a certain height; 2. Remove the screws and take off the tire; 3. Install the new tire and lower the jack. Precautions for tire replacement: 1. Identify the correct side of the tire; 2. Choose a tire that meets quality standards; 3. Replace the valve stem at the same time; 4. Ensure the correct installation direction; 5. Install the new tire on the rear axle of the vehicle; 6. Avoid sudden braking after replacing the tire; 7. Remove screws diagonally when taking off the tire; 8. Perform a four-wheel alignment when replacing the tire. Functions of tires: 1. Transmit driving force, braking force, and steering force to operate the vehicle; 2. Support the vehicle load; 3. Reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving.
I've been driving for fifteen years and have encountered several tire issues. Last time, the left front tire had a bulge, and to save money, I only replaced that one tire, which didn't cost much. However, within less than two months of driving, the car kept pulling to the left, especially feeling unstable during high-speed turns, and the braking distance also increased. When I took it to the repair shop, they explained that the difference in wear between the new and old tires caused an inconsistency in rolling radius, affecting the vehicle's balance. Additionally, when the rear tires are more worn, it can accelerate damage to the suspension system. Now I understand that tires work in pairs—if the car is front-wheel drive, it's best to replace both front tires at once; the same applies to rear-wheel drive vehicles. Regularly checking tire tread depth and air pressure can prevent many problems. Safety comes first—replacing just one tire may save money in the short term but poses long-term risks, so I recommend avoiding it whenever possible.
