Can I Replace Just One Rear Tire?
1 Answers
If the tread wear on the car tire is still relatively shallow, you can replace just one tire. In this case, the wear on the tires on the same axle is actually similar, but it is essential to ensure that the tread pattern, structure, brand, and specifications of the tires on the same axle are identical. If the tread wear is severe, replacing just one tire can significantly impact driving safety, potentially causing the vehicle to pull to one side or even lose control. This is because a severely worn tire has less friction and grip compared to a new tire. If only one tire is replaced, the difference in grip strength between the new and old tires can lead to pulling or loss of control. Additionally, the vehicle may experience uneven height, leading to bumpiness or pulling issues at higher speeds. Therefore, in such cases, it is best to replace a pair of tires. The placement of new tires on a car is also crucial. Generally, new tires should be installed on the drive wheels. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, new tires should be placed on the front wheels, while for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, they should be placed on the rear wheels. In front-wheel-drive vehicles, the front wheels serve as both steering and drive wheels, requiring strong grip during emergency braking, hence the need for new tires on the front wheels. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the rear wheels are prone to slipping as the power is concentrated on them. If the wear is excessive, the rear wheels' grip weakens, so new tires should be placed on the rear wheels to prevent rollovers.