Can I replace just one tire?
2 Answers
Tires cannot be replaced just one at a time, and the reasons are: 1. The tread patterns on the two sides of the vehicle are different, which poses a significant risk during driving, so two tires should be replaced; 2. Since the two replaced tires are the same, the vehicle will be more stable during uniform driving, and this effect is more noticeable during sharp turns or sudden braking. When the vehicle is driving smoothly, fuel consumption will be reduced. Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly in contact with the road surface, and together with the car suspension, they help to mitigate the impact received during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability, and bearing the weight of the car.
I've thought about changing just one tire, mainly to save money or for convenience. But I really don't recommend it. I've experienced it myself—new tires and old tires wear differently, which can cause the car to pull to one side, especially when braking at high speeds, potentially leading to skidding. If you must change just one, it's best to replace the pair on the same axle so that the tire diameters on both sides are similar, avoiding issues with wheel alignment and power distribution. For example, front tires are crucial for front-wheel-drive cars. If they're heavily worn and only one is replaced, you might feel unstable when turning. If the wear is minimal, replacing just one might be okay, but safety comes first—most repair shops recommend replacing at least a pair. Regularly checking tire wear and replacing them periodically is a wise practice to reduce the risk of accidents.
