Should I Replace Two or Four Tires?

[SanJulianna]

It is recommended to replace all four tires together. More information about tires is as follows: 1. The specific replacement cycle of tires depends on their usage, but the service time should not exceed 6 years. 2. When replacing tires, use tires with the same size, speed rating, and load capacity as the original tires. 3. The function of tires is to support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the load of the car, and transmit forces and moments in other directions. 4. Tires transmit traction and braking torque, ensuring good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface to improve the car's power, braking, and passability.

[PatrickDella]

I'm the type of person who prioritizes safety above all else, so when it comes to tires, I recommend replacing all four with new ones. Think about it—having mismatched tire wear can lead to significant differences in traction, especially on wet roads or during sharp turns, causing uneven grip that may result in skidding or loss of control. While replacing just two tires might save you some money upfront, the older tires will accelerate the wear on the new ones, costing you more in the long run. Last time I only replaced the tires on the front drive axle, and the rear tires wore out so quickly that I had to replace all of them within months. Check the tread depth of all your tires—if they're all past the safety limit (e.g., below 1.6mm), it's best to replace them all at once. This ensures even wear, better fuel efficiency, and peace of mind for a safer drive.

[LeNicole]

From a cost-saving perspective, I think replacing two tires is a practical choice. Having driven for over a decade, I often do this—installing the new tires on the drive axle: my car is front-wheel drive, so I only replace the two front tires, which is both economical and effective. However, there's a prerequisite: if your other tires aren't severely worn (check the tread depth, ensuring the difference isn't too significant), it's fine for short-term use; otherwise, continuing to use old tires will accelerate the wear of the new ones, and you'll soon have to spend money again. For daily driving, pay attention to maintaining correct tire pressure and ensuring proper rotation and balance to avoid minor issues. Overall, if the budget is tight, replace two, but follow-up maintenance must be kept up.

[MacMiranda]

I've driven quite a few cars, and here's my simple advice: replacing all four tires is the safest option. But if you're on a tight budget, just putting two new tires on the drive axle—like the front wheels for front-wheel-drive cars—will do. Make sure the tread depth difference between old and new tires is minimal (more than 1/4 inch is risky), otherwise braking distance increases and handling becomes unstable. Regularly check tire rotation positions to balance wear—safety comes first, don't cut corners.