Should I Replace One Tire or a Pair?
3 Answers
Tire replacement can be done with just one tire. The factors for tire replacement are as follows: Mileage Standard Mixed road conditions 40,000-50,000 km: Asphalt smooth road 50,000 km, gravel rough road 30,000 km. When exceeding 30,000 km, the tread friction coefficient drops below 50. On wet or snowy slippery roads, the tread's water drainage function declines or is lost, with the friction coefficient below 15, increasing the risk of tire bursts on gravel roads. Technical Standard: Tread groove depth below 1.6MM indicates the need for tire replacement. When the wear indicator in the tread groove becomes visible, it means the remaining groove depth is less than 1.6 mm. The wear indicator protrudes within the groove. If the remaining groove depth is below 1.6 mm, the tire may suddenly lose traction and braking power in rainy conditions, and may completely lose traction in snowy conditions.
When changing tires, my opinion is that it's better to replace a pair rather than just one. The main consideration is safety. If the tires have different levels of wear, it can cause imbalance while driving, especially during rain or sharp turns, increasing the risk of accidents. In terms of saving money, replacing just one might seem economical in the short term, but in the long run, if the other tire is close to wearing out, you'll end up spending more by having to replace another pair. I've seen many people replace just one tire, only to experience unstable steering and damage to the suspension system. Additionally, for new cars, it's important to match the brand and model of the tires; otherwise, differences in grip can cause issues. Ideally, you should replace both tires each time to ensure optimal performance and longevity. If the budget is tight, at least check whether the other tires are below the wear limit. Remember, regular tire rotation can extend the overall lifespan and prevent future dilemmas. Safety first is always the right choice.
From an economic perspective, replacing just one tire when it's damaged can indeed save money, especially when budgets are tight. However, I believe the actual situation must be considered: if the other three tires are new or have minimal wear—just slightly within the safety threshold—then replacing with a matching brand might be acceptable. The issue is that mismatched old and new tires can lead to longer braking distances, higher fuel consumption, and potentially costly suspension repairs down the line. I recommend first measuring the tread depth of all tires yourself. If they're more than halfway worn or severely aged, it's better to replace them in pairs to ensure smooth and long-lasting driving. Never overlook potential risks like steering wobble just to save a little money, as it can ruin the driving experience. Regular maintenance helps avoid such dilemmas, making driving safer and more cost-effective in the long run.
