Can I replace just one front tire if it's damaged?
2 Answers
A damaged front tire can be replaced individually. When a motor vehicle's tire is damaged, it can be replaced separately without needing to replace all tires together. The tires of a motor vehicle are one of the most critical components, being the only parts that come into direct contact with the ground. Precautions for tire replacement: Since replacing a tire alters the mass balance between the tire and the wheel hub, an unbalanced wheel can cause severe vibrations at high speeds, compromising driving safety. Therefore, it is essential to perform tire dynamic balancing after replacement. Steps for tire replacement: First, park the vehicle on a level and safe surface, activate the hazard lights, and engage the parking brake. Retrieve the spare tire, tire wrench, and jack. Position the jack under the chassis support and gradually raise the vehicle until the tire is slightly off the ground. Then, remove the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern one by one.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of transportation experience, I must say replacing just a single front tire is really not a wise move. While it may seem cost-effective on the surface, modern vehicles emphasize symmetry between front wheels. Uneven wear on both sides becomes very noticeable when driving—you'll constantly feel the steering wheel pulling to one side on highways, and braking in rainy conditions can cause fishtailing. A young driver in our fleet didn't heed this advice and replaced just one tire, only to end up needing a four-wheel alignment within two months, effectively wasting all the money he thought he saved. My recommendation is to always replace tires in pairs, with new tires installed on the rear axle for better stability. Move the rear tires to the front to maintain balanced grip when driving on mountain roads. Always choose genuine products from reputable brands—when it comes to long-distance driving, skimping a few hundred yuan really isn't worth the risk.
