Should I Replace Two Tires First?
4 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.
If you're on a tight budget and considering replacing just two tires first, I can understand that thought. Tires are quite expensive, and replacing only part of them can ease the financial burden. But it depends on the situation. Assuming the old tires have minimal wear and can still be used for a while, placing them on the non-driving wheels might be acceptable. However, the issue is that mixing tires can cause the car to pull to one side, increase fuel consumption, accelerate wear, and shorten the lifespan of the new tires. Last time I tried replacing just the two tires on the driving wheels, the driving experience was noticeably less smooth, with more bumps. Tires are crucial for vehicle balance. If the difference between the tires on the driving axle is minimal, it might be acceptable as a short-term emergency measure, but in the long run, you should replace the entire set. Check the tire pressure to keep it consistent and avoid problems in emergencies.
I think it's best not to replace just two tires. Tire wear needs to be balanced, and mixing old and new tires will cause the new ones to wear out faster and affect the suspension. I often see car enthusiasts make this mistake, leading to steering vibration and increased fuel consumption. From a maintenance perspective, tires on the same axle should be completely identical, especially the drive wheels like new tires on the front axle of a front-wheel-drive car. Rotating tires helps distribute wear evenly, but you must consider the overall condition when replacing them. The tread depth difference should not exceed 2 millimeters, otherwise it's unsafe. Ensure all tires are in similar condition to avoid problems.
