Do All Four Tires Need to Be Replaced at the Same Time?

[LeviLynn]

Car tires do not need to be replaced all four at once. However, if conditions permit, it is recommended to replace all four tires simultaneously to maintain the original handling balance. More detailed information is as follows: 1. It is recommended to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. If only two tires are being replaced, it is advised to install the new tires on the rear wheels. If only one tire is being replaced, the new tire must have a tread groove depth similar to the other tire on the same axle; otherwise, it may cause issues such as vehicle deviation. 2. New tires should be installed on the rear axle of the vehicle. This is because placing more worn tires on the rear axle can significantly increase the risk of oversteering in rainy conditions due to reduced water drainage capability, potentially leading to dangerous situations like vehicle fishtailing.

[DeRyder]

I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered several tire issues. Actually, you don't necessarily have to replace all four tires at once. The key is to consider the wear level and type matching of the tires. For example, my car is front-wheel drive, so the front tires wear out faster than the rear ones. Therefore, I often only need to replace the two front tires. However, if the wear is too uneven or there are issues like uneven wear or bulging, replacing only some tires might cause instability at high speeds or even lead to skidding accidents. I recommend everyone regularly check the tread depth—use a ruler to measure the remaining depth. If the difference is too significant, don't try to save that little bit of money. By the way, developing a habit of checking your tires monthly is crucial, as it helps detect problems early and avoid major repairs. In short, safety comes first—never risk driving with just one new tire.

[StGavin]

I think it's quite practical to be flexible based on the budget. I don't drive much usually, so the tire wear is slower. When I check and find that the tread depth of the front and rear tires is similar, I only replace the two tires on the drive wheels with new ones, saving a few hundred bucks. But you must ensure the new and old tires have the same specifications and avoid mixing brands, otherwise it may lead to uneven grip. For example, last time I tried to save money by only replacing two tires, but the braking distance became longer on rainy days, which really scared me. My suggestion is to measure the tread depth—if the difference is less than 2mm, partial replacement is fine; if it exceeds that or you frequently drive on highways, it's safer to replace all four. Also, here's a practical tip: regular tire rotation can extend their lifespan. If the wear is even, you can replace them in batches without issues.

[VonKyle]

As a car enthusiast, I believe tire replacement depends on the vehicle type. For performance cars or those frequently driven at high speeds, it's best to replace all four tires simultaneously, as matching tire pressure and tread patterns directly affects handling stability; replacing only some old tires may lead to loss of control during sharp turns. Take my sports car for example - once the tread depth difference reaches 0.5mm, I feel it's time for a full replacement. For regular family cars with even wear, partial replacement is acceptable, but don't delay too long to avoid damaging the suspension system. I always remind myself to check tire pressure monthly - this small habit can prevent major troubles.