Is It Better to Replace Two or Four Tires?
3 Answers
Tires should preferably be replaced in sets of four. If replacing only two tires, it is advisable to replace the drive tires or tires on the same axle. Tire maintenance methods include: 1. Regularly clean stones from tire treads; 2. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Frequently check tire pressure; 4. Pay attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Regularly inspect front wheel alignment; 6. Be mindful of driving habits. The functions of tires are: 1. Support the entire weight of the vehicle and bear the vehicle's load; 2. Transmit traction and braking torque to ensure adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; 3. Reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving, preventing excessive vibration and premature damage to vehicle components; 4. Adapt to the vehicle's high-speed performance, reduce driving noise, and ensure driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
As a veteran driver who frequently takes long trips, I believe you shouldn't skimp on tire replacement. Last time I only replaced the two front tires, and I clearly felt the rear end slipping when cornering on the highway after rain. The mechanic told me the tread on my rear tires was nearly worn out, resulting in poor grip and water dispersion. The biggest issue was the uneven wear across all four tires, which even started causing the steering wheel to shake. If you often have family in the car, it's much safer to replace all four tires at once. But I must remind everyone: after changing tires, you must get a wheel alignment. The tire shop guy said my old tires wore unevenly precisely because I didn't do regular alignments, which needlessly shortened their lifespan by half a year.
My grocery-getter has been running for six years, and I've had my share of tire troubles. Once, the left front tire blew out, and the repair shop insisted I replace both tires on that axle to avoid alignment issues. But the truth is, it depends on the drivetrain—for my front-wheel-drive car, new tires on the driven wheels do improve braking performance. During the last maintenance check, though, I discovered a hidden danger—the rear wheel bolts were severely rusted. Old Liu at the repair shop warned that worn tires can accelerate bolt corrosion. He advised checking under the wheel covers before replacing tires; if the bolts show rust spots, it's better to replace the entire set. Otherwise, you're bound to run into trouble during the next disassembly.
