Should car tires be replaced simultaneously?
4 Answers
When replacing car tires, it is necessary to replace both tires on the same side simultaneously. Methods to determine if tires need replacement: Tread wear approaching the wear indicator: Any brand of tire will have a wear indicator at the bottom of the tread grooves. Generally, the height of the wear indicator for passenger car tires is 1.6 millimeters (this height is also the legally mandated minimum groove depth), while for heavy-duty tires, the wear indicator height is 2.4 millimeters. Factors affecting tire lifespan: Tire manufacturing date: The shorter the time since manufacturing, the stronger the rubber's wear resistance. Generally, tires wear faster after three years. Vehicle alignment parameters: Properly aligned wheels ensure even tire wear, thereby increasing tire lifespan. Tire brand: Different brands of tires wear at varying rates.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when it comes to changing tires, it's best to replace all four at the same time. Uneven tire wear, especially mixing old and new tires, can easily cause skidding during braking, which is even more dangerous on rainy days. Last time I only replaced one new tire, the car pulled severely to one side and the steering wheel kept shaking. The shop inspection revealed the wear difference was too significant. Safety comes first—don't skimp on this expense. If you're on a tight budget, at least replace a pair of tires on the same axle, such as both front or rear tires. Remember to rotate your tires regularly, every 5,000 kilometers, to extend their lifespan. In short, balanced wear is key—avoiding accidents will save you much greater costs.
I just have a small car for daily commuting. I asked a mechanic, and not all tires need to be replaced if one is damaged. But it depends on the situation: if the other three tires are still quite new, you can just replace the damaged one with a new one, but it must be the same brand and model. Otherwise, the car will drive unevenly and uncomfortably. Budget is my main concern—saving money, after all. But if the wear is severe, like shallow treads, it's recommended to replace two or all of them. Safety during high-speed driving is crucial; you'll regret it if old tires can't stop the car in time. Last time, I replaced just one tire, spent 300 yuan to save a bit, and then drove more carefully afterward.
Having worked in a repair shop, tire replacement depends on wear. If only one tire is damaged while the others show light wear, replacing just that one is sufficient; however, it must match the original tire specifications to prevent accelerated wear on the new tire. Significant differences in wear can affect balance and suspension, leading to unstable driving. It's recommended to check all tire pressures and tread depths during replacement, replacing immediately if below 2mm. Having minimal wear difference between two tires on the same axle is the safest. There's no need to replace all tires rigidly; flexible handling saves both money and hassle.
