Do All Four Tires Need to Be Replaced Together?
3 Answers
Tires do not necessarily need to be replaced all four at once, but it is better to replace them in pairs. If both tires on the same axle 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 the tires wear to their limit and need replacement, you can replace the more severely worn pair, but at least ensure the left and right tires match. The typical lifespan of tires is around 2 to 3 years or 60,000 to 100,000 kilometers. During each maintenance check, the tire pressure and wear condition should be inspected, as both overinflation and underinflation can affect driving safety and tire longevity.
After driving for so many years, I don't think it's absolutely necessary to replace all four tires at once, but for safety reasons, I strongly recommend changing them simultaneously. Inconsistent tire wear can cause handling issues, such as longer braking distances or skidding during turns, especially on slippery roads where the risks are greater. I've seen cases where people only replaced two tires and then experienced unstable and erratic driving, nearly causing accidents. Now, I regularly check tire tread depth using the coin test. If the wear difference exceeds 2 millimeters, I replace all tires. This ensures even grip and extends the vehicle's lifespan. When on a tight budget, you can start by replacing the pair on the drive wheels, but it's essential to use tires of the same brand, specifications, and tread pattern to avoid imbalance caused by mixing. Developing a habit of checking tire pressure balance monthly can also help reduce uneven wear.
When money is tight, you definitely don't want to foot the bill for all four tires at once. I think it's not necessary to replace all four tires together—just replace the one that's damaged to save some costs. But don't be careless; a significant difference in diameter between new and old tires can damage components like the differential, leading to even higher repair costs. I once tried replacing only the rear tires, and while it felt fine at first, I noticed slight vibrations at highway speeds. Upon inspection, I found uneven wear was the culprit. My advice is to choose tires with similar specifications when replacing only some, and ideally keep an old tire as a spare for matching purposes while you replace the others as soon as possible. Also, be mindful of road conditions to avoid damage from debris, which can extend the tire replacement cycle. The key is to address small issues promptly to prevent them from turning into bigger, costlier problems.
