Should You Replace Two Tires When Getting New Ones?
2 Answers
Tires should be replaced in pairs. The steps for replacing tires are: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe and level area; 2. Place the jack under the vehicle's frame at the tire to be replaced and lift the vehicle to a certain height; 3. Loosen the nuts with a wrench and remove the tire that needs to be replaced; 4. Install the new tire; 5. Tighten the nuts with a wrench; 6. Lower the jack. Methods for tire maintenance include: 1. Regularly clean stones from the tire treads; 2. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight; 3. Regularly check tire pressure; 4. Pay attention to suspension maintenance; 5. Periodically check front wheel alignment; 6. Be mindful of driving habits.
I've been driving for over twenty years and always insist on replacing two tires at a time, because safety comes first. Uneven tire wear leads to a significant difference in grip, making the car prone to skidding during turns, especially dangerous in rainy conditions or at high speeds. It also increases braking distance and the risk of accidents. Replacing just one new tire will quickly result in uneven wear due to the old tire, rendering the other side useless within months, ultimately costing more with an extra trip to the repair shop. Placing new tires on the rear axle is better, as it improves vehicle stability and prevents fishtailing. This is particularly important for different drivetrains—front-wheel-drive cars wear out front tires faster, while rear-wheel-drive cars require priority on the rear tires for better control. I once experienced a near-accident when my rear-wheel-drive car lost control during a turn due to replacing only one tire. Develop the habit of rotating tires regularly every 5,000 kilometers to ensure even wear, prolonging the lifespan of all tires—it's more economical, and safety is priceless. Don't underestimate it.