Should All 4 Tires Be Replaced Together?
2 Answers
Replacing all 4 tires at once is not mandatory, but it is recommended when conditions permit to maintain the original handling balance. It is advised to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. If only two tires are being replaced, it is recommended to install the new tires on the rear wheels. If only one tire is being replaced, the new tire must have a tread groove depth similar to the other tire on the same axle; otherwise, it may cause the vehicle to pull to one side. New tires should be installed on the rear axle of the vehicle because placing more worn tires on the rear axle can significantly reduce the tire's water drainage capability, increasing the risk of oversteering in rainy conditions and potentially causing the vehicle to fishtail.
You don't necessarily have to change all four tires at once, it depends on the situation. Last time I chatted with a mechanic at the repair shop, he mentioned the most important thing is to check if the tread depth is even. If all four tires are worn out similarly, it's better to replace them together for more stable driving. But if the two front tires wear out faster while the rear tires are still new, then just replace the front ones first and keep the rear ones for a while longer. Especially for front-wheel-drive cars, the front tires bear more weight and wear out faster, so replacing them separately is more economical. Remember to do wheel balancing after installing new tires to prevent alignment issues. It's also good practice to rotate your tires every 8,000 kilometers to ensure even wear and extend their overall lifespan.