Is It Better to Replace Two or Four Tires?
2 Answers
Generally, it is recommended to replace all four tires together. Below is more relevant information: Replacement Cycle: For front-wheel-drive vehicles, the front tires wear out more quickly and should be prioritized for replacement. The recommended replacement cycle is 4-6 years, with the possibility of continued use for 1-2 more years. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the front tires bear significant weight and are used for steering, making them prone to wear, while the rear tires also experience considerable wear. It is advisable to replace all four tires simultaneously, with a replacement cycle of 4-6 years. Introduction to Tires: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. Typically installed on metal rims, they support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and maintain driving performance. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and extreme temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning ability. Additionally, they require high wear resistance, flexibility, and low rolling resistance with minimal heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used in tire production, highlighting the significant rubber demand for tires.
Having driven for over a decade, tire replacement really depends on the specific situation. If the budget allows, replacing all four tires with new ones is definitely the best choice, as it ensures consistent grip for each tire, especially when driving on highways in rainy conditions. However, if the other two tires show minimal wear, replacing just two is also acceptable—but always remember: the new tires must be installed on the rear wheels! Once, I only replaced the front two tires, and the car's rear noticeably slid during a turn on a wet road, giving me quite a scare. Also, the tread depth difference between new and old tires should not exceed 4 millimeters, as it can affect ABS braking performance. Nowadays, tire shops have testing equipment, so it's advisable to have the mechanic check the wear levels before deciding on replacement.
