Is It Better to Replace One Car Tire or a Pair?
3 Answers
Here is an explanation on whether it's better to replace one car tire or a pair: New car tire replacement: If the car is new and hasn't been driven much, you only need to replace the problematic tire because the wear on tires on the same axle is usually similar. Old car tire replacement: If the tires have been driven tens of thousands of kilometers but don't need replacement yet, and only one tire has an issue, replacing just one tire may cause uneven height, leading to bumpy rides or faster alignment issues. In this case, it's best to replace a pair of tires. Additional information on tire functions: Shock absorption: Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving. Comfort performance: Tires ensure good ride comfort and smooth driving, maintain excellent traction between the wheels and the road, enhance the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability, and support the car's weight.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have witnessed numerous accidents caused by tire imbalance. When replacing tires, I recommend changing them in pairs rather than just one. The reason is that the difference in wear between new and old tires is significant, making the car feel unstable and wobbly while driving, especially at high speeds or on slippery roads. The braking distance increases noticeably, raising the risk of skidding and losing control. Safety comes first. I once tried to save money by replacing just one tire, only to find steering difficulties within days. The disparity in pressure distribution and grip between the new tire and the old one is substantial, and over time, it may accelerate wear on other components. Vehicle manuals typically recommend symmetrical replacement, particularly if the damaged tire is on a drive wheel. It's also crucial to check the wear on the other tires—if they've been in use for two to three years or more, replacing them all is more cost-effective and avoids potential safety hazards. During maintenance, always ensure tire pressure is correct to maintain overall balance.
As a daily commuter, I believe replacing a pair of tires is more practical. Changing just one might save you a few dozen bucks, but the new and old tires wear at different rates, meaning you'll soon need another repair. I once tried saving money by replacing a single tire, only to have the other one leak within a month, ending up with higher repair costs. Replacing a pair makes driving smoother, with balanced handling during turns and acceleration. Additionally, a significant difference in tire age affects fuel efficiency and comfort—a big deal for me since I often drive in heavy traffic. During routine wear checks, I prefer replacing both to avoid hassle. If the old tires aren't too worn, they can be kept for later use, but safety and convenience should always come first.
