Do All 4 Tires Need to Be Replaced?
2 Answers
It is not necessary to replace all four car tires at the same time, but it is recommended to replace them in pairs. Here are the relevant details about car tire replacement: 1. Tire Replacement: If only one tire is replaced, the tread patterns on the left and right sides of the car will differ, which can pose safety risks while driving. Replacing both tires on the same axle ensures that the tread patterns and wear levels are identical, making the vehicle more stable and safer. Generally, it is better to replace all four tires together because identical tread patterns and wear levels ensure uniform traction across all four wheels. If tires with different tread patterns and wear levels are used together, ensure that tires with the same tread and wear level are installed on the same axle to avoid performance issues due to uneven traction. 2. Regular Tire Inspection: Check the tire wear indicator line regularly. When the tread wear exceeds the replacement benchmark, the tire must be replaced. Uneven wear on the tire surface or edges, or bulging on the tire sidewall, also warrant timely replacement. Many owners believe tires should be replaced after driving 40,000–50,000 kilometers. In reality, tire replacement is somewhat related to mileage but not strictly dependent on it. Typically, tires are no longer in the safe period after 50,000 kilometers and should theoretically be replaced. However, private car owners rarely replace them this early, partly due to careful maintenance and favorable driving conditions. 3. Reducing Tire Wear: If the owner avoids frequent acceleration, speeding, drifting, or hard braking, tires can last 70,000–80,000 kilometers without major issues. However, for owners who frequently go on road trips, especially on rough mountain roads with sharp stones, tire damage can be significant. If the tire sidewall is cut by sharp objects, even if the tread wear is not severe, the tire should be replaced promptly to ensure driving safety.
Whether all tires need to be replaced depends on the specific situation. If all four tires show even wear and minimal aging, full replacement is usually unnecessary. However, if some tires are severely worn while others are still usable, it's best to replace a pair of new tires and install them on the drive wheels to maintain balance. Otherwise, it may cause vehicle misalignment or unstable braking. With years of driving experience, I've seen some friends replace only one tire, resulting in strange handling, which returned to normal only after switching to the same brand and model. Remember to regularly check tread depth—tires must be replaced if it falls below 1.6mm to prevent skidding in rainy conditions and ensure safety. Generally, tires have a lifespan of about six years; beyond this time, even lightly worn tires are prone to cracks and air leaks. Therefore, considering both safety and economy, partial or full replacement is acceptable, but consistent performance must be ensured.
