Should you replace one tire or a pair when one tire is damaged?
2 Answers
It is best to replace a pair when one tire is damaged. Here are some reasons for replacing a pair: 1. It is recommended to replace a pair if one tire is damaged. The main reason is that replacing two tires is safer. If only one tire is replaced, the tread patterns on both sides of the vehicle will differ, increasing the risk while driving. Therefore, replacing two tires ensures that the tread patterns and wear levels on both sides are similar, improving driving safety and stability. 2. Since the two replaced tires are the same, the vehicle will run more smoothly at constant speed. Additionally, the importance of the tread patterns on both sides becomes evident during sharp turns or sudden braking. Moreover, when the vehicle runs smoothly, fuel consumption will be reduced.
When a tire is damaged, should you replace one or a pair? I'd say replacing a pair is more reliable. I've driven many cars myself and encountered situations where only one new tire was replaced, resulting in uneven wear on the other old tires. The car would always pull to the right, and the braking distance became longer. This not only increases fuel consumption but may also damage the suspension system over time. Especially for cars with different front and rear-wheel drives, front-wheel-drive vehicles should prioritize replacing the front tires in pairs, while rear-wheel-drive vehicles also need to pay attention to balance. Having mismatched new and old tires makes the car more prone to slipping in rainy conditions, affecting safety. Regular checks of tire pressure and wear can help detect issues early, saving both money and hassle. If the other tire hasn't been used for long and the specifications match, you can replace just one, but most of the time, replacing a pair is more convenient. In short, don't just focus on saving a little money upfront—safety should always come first.
