Do You Need to Replace Two Tires at the Same Time?
3 Answers
Tire replacement depends on specific circumstances. Here are some considerations for tire replacement: 1. If the car is new and hasn't been driven much, you only need to replace the problematic tire, as the wear on tires of the same axle is usually similar; 2. If the tires have been driven tens of thousands of kilometers, replacing just one tire may cause uneven height, leading to bumpiness or steering issues at higher speeds, in which case two tires should be replaced; 3. For front-wheel-drive cars, new tires should be installed on the front wheels. Similarly, for rear-wheel-drive cars, new tires should go on the rear wheels. In front-wheel-drive cars, the front wheels serve as both steering and driving wheels, requiring strong grip during sudden braking, hence new tires should be placed on the front wheels. For rear-wheel-drive cars, since the rear wheels are prone to slipping and bear most of the power, they wear out faster, leading to reduced grip. Therefore, new tires should be installed on the rear wheels to prevent rollovers.
As a seasoned commuter driver, you don't necessarily have to replace two tires at once when changing them. I remember last time only the right rear tire was damaged, so I replaced just that one, but then noticed the steering wheel pulling slightly due to uneven wear between the new and old tires. After researching, I learned that tires on the same axle should be replaced simultaneously to prevent traction imbalance, which can be dangerous, especially in rainy conditions when hydroplaning risks increase. From personal experience, if the other tires are still relatively new with minimal wear, replacing just the damaged one is acceptable. However, if the tires are nearing four years or older, replacing both saves money and enhances safety. Regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth helps identify issues early, preventing emergencies. Don't forget to rotate tire positions during routine maintenance to ensure even wear and extend overall lifespan. Driving comfort and safety should always come first—never compromise them for minor savings.
Having worked in auto repair shops for years, it's a common recommendation to replace two tires on the same axle simultaneously. The reason is that new and old tires have different rolling radii, which can cause vehicle drift affecting handling, and inconsistent braking distances during stops - a dangerous situation. I've encountered customers who replaced just one tire, only to accelerate wear on the other older tires, ultimately costing more in repairs. Tire types like winter or summer tires must also be matched to ensure balanced traction. Of course, if the other tires show minimal wear and are the same size, replacing just the damaged one is feasible, but wheel balancing and alignment checks are necessary. Financially, replacing in pairs isn't necessarily more expensive these days, with frequent merchant promotions available. Vehicle owners should ideally use professional tools to check tread depth during every maintenance service, performing timely upkeep to reduce risks.
