Tires don’t last forever, no matter the level of care and maintenance.. Whether it’s due to normal wear from driving or because of tire damage like punctures, eventually every tire will need to be replaced. But when the time comes, how many tires should you replace at once?
How Many Tires Should You Buy at a Time?
When it comes to getting new tires, there are a few things to consider. First, it is important to replace your tires with new tires of the same type. This includes the same size, construction, speed rating, and maybe even brand. For most cars, you will want the same type for all four tires, though some vehicles use a ‘staggered fitment,” meaning the front tires are a different size from the back. Be sure to match the tires you are replacing to keep the car easy to handle.
When to Replace All 4 Tires
Ideally, all four tires are replaced after an average lifespan of three to five years. With regular rotation, balancing, and pressure checks you should, aside from incident or accident, see continued uniformity of tread wear and tire deterioration. Purchasing all new tires at the same time also keeps you on the same wear calendar so you have an idea of how long all your tires should last. Safety is another key consideration when considering how many tires to replace at a time.
Additionally, if your vehicle is all-wheel drive or four wheel drive, you should always replace all four tires together, because these cars are particularly sensitive to differences in wear.
When to Replace 2 Tires
There are occasions when it makes sense to only purchase and replace two tires. However, this should only happen when a car’s current tires have only worn down approximately 30-40%. When the tread difference between the old tires and new is greater than that, it is safest for the driver and the integrity of the vehicle to replace all four tires. If you do replace two tires, place the new ones on the rear axle and the older, more worn tires on the front. The additional weight of the engine will give these tires extra traction on the road. While buying two tires is obviously cheaper than buying four, Wilson Tire advises taking care to make sure the difference in wear is minimal, because uneven wear can increase the risks of hydroplaning, blowouts, and other road hazards while you drive..
When to Replace 1 Tire
Replacing one tire at a time is risky. Having tread depth variation across an axle — that is, between two sides, not front to back — can lead to damage to a vehicle’s transmission, suspension, and gear ratios. Purchasing a single tire should only be done when the rest of your tires are fairly new — less than 30% wear — and it should be paired with the tire with the most tread depth left. And, as with two new tires, the new one and its partner should be placed on the rear axle.
New Tires in Nashville, TN
Whether you need one tire or four, whether your tires are worn down or you have a flat, the expert auto techs at Wilson Tire & Auto in Nashville Tennessee will help you get exactly the tires you need for your car. Contact us or stop by to have your tires inspected and replaced today.
