Should Tires Be Replaced in Pairs?
3 Answers
Tires should be replaced in pairs. Advantages of replacing tires in pairs: Identical tire tread patterns ensure smooth driving; proper balancing ensures even force distribution among all four tires; helps maintain uniform weight distribution across the vehicle body; contributes to fuel efficiency. Conditions for tire replacement: When a new car has traveled 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, the tires should be cross-rotated; replace tires when uneven wear occurs; replacement is necessary when bulges or cuts appear on the tire sidewalls; tires should be replaced when wear approaches the tread wear indicators; replacement is required when tires become unusable due to other reasons.
When it comes to whether to replace tires in pairs, having driven many cars, I believe safety should be the top priority. If only one tire is damaged while the others are still relatively new, theoretically you could save some money by replacing just one. However, in reality, uneven tire wear can make the car unstable while driving, especially at high speeds or in rainy conditions. The new tire has stronger grip, while the worn tire has less traction, which can easily cause skidding or slipping, increasing the risk of accidents. When I first started driving, I tried replacing just one tire, and the car would unintentionally pull to one side during turns, which startled me. Since then, I've always replaced tires in pairs, especially for the drive wheels, like the front wheels or the rear wheels of rear-wheel-drive cars. This ensures better balance, even braking response, and also protects the suspension system. Regularly check the tread depth of your tires—if the difference between the left and right tires exceeds one millimeter, it's best to replace them in pairs. Although it costs a few hundred dollars more, it eliminates safety hazards and avoids future maintenance troubles.
From an economic perspective, let me share my thoughts. Replacing tires doesn't necessarily have to be done in pairs, but I believe it's wiser to decide based on wear condition and vehicle status. For example, if you cherish your car and maintain the tires well with only minor scratches, replacing just one tire is acceptable and can save you the cost of another tire. However, if the other tires are nearly worn out, replacing only one is like pairing new shoes with old ones—it feels awkward to drive, may accelerate wear, shorten tire lifespan, and force you to spend more on replacements in a few months. I frequently drive short distances in the city and once tried saving money by replacing just one tire. The result? Another tire developed issues within half a year, requiring an extra trip to the repair shop, which wasn't worth the time and fuel costs. I recommend measuring tread depth before each tire replacement and ensuring uniformity before taking action. Additionally, choose tires of the same brand and model to avoid performance issues from mixing. In the long run, replacing a pair might actually save you more.
