Do All Four Tires Need to Be Replaced Together?
3 Answers
All four tires do not necessarily need to be replaced together, but it is best to replace them in pairs. When tires on both sides are replaced simultaneously, the tread patterns and wear levels will be consistent, resulting in more stable and safer driving. Car tires are consumable items. When a vehicle's tires wear to their limit and need replacement, it is not necessary to replace all four at once. You can replace the more severely worn pair, ensuring at least that the left and right tires are consistent. The typical lifespan of tires 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 lifespan of the tires.
Replacing all four tires isn't always necessary—it depends on the wear level of your tires and your vehicle's actual condition. As a driver with over a decade of experience, I've been in a similar situation: once, to save money, I only replaced the front pair, but afterward, I felt steering wheel vibrations and noticed reduced braking stability. Tires are the sole contact point between your car and the road. If there's a significant mismatch in tread depth or wear between new and old tires, it can lead to insufficient grip, especially during turns in rain or snow, increasing the risk of skidding. Most repair experts recommend checking all tires' wear—for example, using a coin to measure tread depth. If the difference exceeds 2-3mm, it's best to replace all four. However, if the car hasn't been driven much, say within 20,000 km, replacing just the damaged tire or the pair on the same axle is acceptable. Safety should always come first—I always inspect thoroughly before deciding, avoiding regrets after an accident. After replacement, don’t skip the wheel balancing test to ensure a smooth ride.
Working at an auto repair shop, I've seen many car owners ask this question. There's no absolute answer—it depends on the vehicle's condition. You don't necessarily have to replace all four tires at once, but balance is crucial. If there's a significant difference in tread depth, such as between new tires and heavily worn ones, the car may pull to one side after installation, especially during acceleration or braking at high speeds. When replacing only some tires, I recommend installing the new ones on the rear axle to enhance rear-wheel stability and prevent loss of control. Of course, if all tires are still relatively new—say, with only 10,000 kilometers driven—replacing just one is fine. But if the tires are more than halfway worn, it's safer to replace them all to avoid frequent trips to the repair shop. Always check tire pressure before driving; don't wait until there's a leak. For optimal performance, use the same brand and model of tires—avoid mixing them, as this can shorten their lifespan. After replacement, get a wheel alignment to extend tire life and improve fuel efficiency.
