Should all 4 tires be consistent when picking up the car?
3 Answers
It is not necessary for all four tires to be consistent when picking up the car. Introduction to tire cycles: Generally, the four tires are produced in the same year and cycle, but a difference of one week between them is acceptable. A longer time difference may cause issues. Car tires have a production date marked by four digits on the tire. The first two digits represent the week number, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, 1518 indicates the tire was produced in the 15th week of 2018. Signs that tires need replacement: When the tire wears to its limit, there are usually small protrusions in the tire's drainage grooves to check the wear limit. If the tire wears down to the level of these protrusions, it indicates that the tire needs to be replaced promptly. Severe aging of the tire, such as significant cracking of the rubber, also requires immediate replacement. Additionally, severe uneven wear or impact damage leading to tire deformation necessitates timely replacement.
When picking up a new car, all four tires should indeed be identical. From a safety perspective, here's my view: If the tire brands, models, sizes, or tread patterns differ, it can severely impact vehicle stability. For instance, mismatched front and rear tires may cause braking imbalance and increase skidding risks, especially during rain or high-speed cornering. I've personally experienced this while driving – nearly had an accident simply because one tire was temporarily replaced with an unmatched spare. Manufacturers typically ensure uniform tires upon factory delivery, but always walk around the car for inspection before acceptance. Don't just glance at appearances; use your phone's flashlight to verify identical tread patterns. Immediately question the dealer if discrepancies are found – this could indicate repair errors or a refurbished vehicle. Consistency also applies to tire pressure and wear levels; new car tires should show zero wear. Remember: safety is no trivial matter. Tire issues are often overlooked yet absolutely critical. I recommend adding this check to your vehicle acceptance checklist.
As someone who just picked up a new car, I believe tire consistency is crucial. Last week when I collected my car from the dealer, I carefully inspected the wheels first—all four were of the same brand and size. Why? If they're inconsistent, like having one old tire or a different model, you'll feel wobbling while driving, affecting comfort and fuel efficiency. New cars should have all tires properly matched before leaving the factory—it's standard procedure. If you notice any discrepancy in a tire, it might be that the spare was installed or quality control missed it. I recommend bringing a friend to help check during pickup or recording a short video with your phone for verification. I once encountered a tire issue myself—discovering a deflated spare only after taking delivery, which wasted time on repairs. Maintaining consistency prevents uneven wear or warranty disputes later. The money spent is worth it—don’t let small details ruin the excitement of a new car.
