Do All Four Car Tires Need to Be Replaced at the Same Time?
3 Answers
Car tires do not need to be replaced all four at the same time, but it is best to replace them in pairs. Changing both tires on the same side ensures that the tread patterns and wear levels are consistent, making the car more stable and safer to drive. The typical lifespan of a tire is about 2 to 3 years or 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. During each maintenance check, the tire pressure and wear condition should be inspected. Tire pressure should be maintained between 200 kPa and 280 kPa. Both underinflation and overinflation can affect driving safety and the tire's lifespan. Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on metal rims, designed to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure optimal driving performance.
Last time I changed tires, I asked the master at the 4S店, and he said it's best to replace all four at once. Tires from the same batch have consistent wear, so the car won't pull to one side when driving on the highway, and the handling is better. My 5-year-old Focus was completely replaced following his advice, and now the steering feels very stable. Of course, if some tires are particularly new, it's acceptable to replace only the damaged ones, but the new tires should be installed on the rear wheels, as the front wheels are responsible for steering and are more prone to slipping. If you only replace two, tires with different grip levels can really make you nervous on rainy days. In the end, safety comes first, and if your budget allows, replacing all four is the most worry-free option.
As a mother of two, I pay special attention to tires. Replacing tires depends on the specific condition of the car: if all four tires are worn out to a similar extent, replacing them all at once is safer, especially when frequently driving on highways to pick up and drop off kids. If you've just replaced two new tires a few thousand kilometers ago, it's also acceptable to replace only the damaged one. I remember Old Zhang in our neighborhood, whose front tire tread was almost worn flat but he hesitated to replace them all, resulting in a rear-end collision on a rainy day. Now, I regularly use a coin to measure the groove depth of the tires and prepare to replace them when they wear down to the warning line.
