Should I Replace Two Tires First?
2 Answers
If conditions permit, it is better to replace all four tires. Generally, as long as tire rotation is performed regularly on the same vehicle, the wear levels of the tires will be similar. If one tire is no longer usable, the others are likely in a similar condition. Below is relevant information about tires: 1. Service Life: Tires have a service life, with a maximum usage period of 5 years. Beyond five years, the risk of tire blowouts increases significantly. Therefore, even if some tires still have good tread patterns, they should be replaced entirely after 5 years. 2. Car Tire Usage Notes: Every car tire has several raised wear indicators in the drainage grooves. When the tire wear reaches the level of these indicators, it means the tire should be replaced. When checking the tire wear limit, you will find that, under normal circumstances, front tires wear more severely than rear tires. When front tires need replacement due to wear, rear tires may still seem usable for several more years.
Replacing just two tires might sound cost-effective, but I advise against cutting corners by only changing two. When there's significant wear difference between tires, the mismatch in grip between new and old tires can easily lead to skidding or unstable steering, especially reducing controllability during rain or high-speed driving. With years of driving experience, I've witnessed many accidents caused by tire imbalance. For instance, placing new tires on the front axle and old ones on the rear significantly increases the risk of tail swing during cornering. Tires must be consistent on the same axle - if tread depth difference exceeds 2mm, you should replace all tires. Regular tire rotation can extend lifespan, but replacement should be considered holistically. Safety comes first; don't compromise driving safety to save a few hundred dollars. I recommend evaluating all tires' condition before making a decision.
