Should Two Tires Be Replaced Together?
3 Answers
Tires should be replaced in pairs. The main reasons are as follows: 1. Ensuring identical tread patterns: This helps maintain smoother vehicle operation. When replacing tires on both sides, mechanics also perform dynamic balance correction to ensure even force distribution among all four tires. 2. Promoting equal weight distribution: During braking and turning, matching tread patterns on both sides enhance driving safety and improve fuel efficiency. Here are some additional tips for car tire usage: 1. Avoid abrupt starts: Whether the vehicle is empty or loaded, always start smoothly at low speeds to prevent tire dragging and reduce tread wear. 2. Maintain straight-line driving on good roads: Except when passing other vehicles or avoiding obstacles, refrain from swerving or making sharp turns to prevent lateral cutting damage between tires and rims.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered several tire issues and place great emphasis on safety. When replacing tires, I insist on changing two at a time, especially for wheels on the same axle. Why? Because old tires may have uneven wear, causing the new tire to bear extra stress, which over time can lead to vehicle imbalance. Last time, my neighbor tried to save money by replacing just one tire, and ended up with unresponsive steering on the highway, nearly causing an accident. This affects grip, causing uneven braking response between left and right wheels – particularly dangerous in rainy conditions. I recommend getting both tires replaced professionally at once. Though it costs more, it ensures stable driving, extends tire lifespan, and gives peace of mind. Regular tread inspections can also help identify potential issues early.
As a car owner who often thinks about saving money, I understand your mindset—every penny counts. But if a tire is truly damaged, my suggestion is to first check the wear level. If the old tire can still be used for a while and you can find a matching new tire with similar wear, replacing just one is acceptable. However, make sure the specifications are identical and the tread depth difference isn’t too significant, otherwise it may affect handling and accelerate wear. Generally, tire lifespan is around 50,000 kilometers, and replacing them in pairs helps avoid imbalance and saves long-term maintenance costs. I once tried replacing just one new tire on the front axle, but it increased fuel consumption due to uneven force distribution. So, for safety, replacing tires in pairs is the wiser choice.
