Should I Replace More Than One Tire at a Time?

If you’ve got a flat tire, it might seem like a straightforward fix. Just pop a new tire on and you’re good to go, right?

Not quite. While you can do this, it’s recommended to have four matching tires of the same type, same model and same degree of wear. This is to make sure the car handles in a predictable way, whether you’re accelerating, braking or cornering. Before looking into tire sales, read on to find out more about tire replacement and the importance of regular tire rotations in Nelsonville, OH.

Why you should avoid replacing only a single tire

The only condition in which it’s recommended to switch out a single tire is if the other tires still have most of their tread. If the amount of tread lost on the other three tires is very minimal, then it’s possible to replace only the damaged tire.

That said, even in this situation, you may still want to replace all four. All-wheel drive vehicles recommend replacing all four tires, as lack of even tire tread could cause the AWD system to engage in dry conditions, thereby damaging the system.

For front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles, if half or more of the tread on all four tires is gone, replacing a single one means it will spin more slowly than the others. This sends false signals to the antilock braking and traction control systems. This will lower traction during braking, cornering and acceleration, which will negatively affect the vehicle’s behavior.

Replacing one tire is similar to replacing a single running shoe. You get a hole in one shoe, so why not just switch it out for another? When you pair the new shoe with the shoe you’ve been running on for months or years, the results are going to be suboptimal. The same goes for your car—a mismatched tire is going to cause problems with performance and stability.

In situations where replacing a single tire is unavoidable

If you’re strapped for cash or a technician in Nelsonville, OH has recommended replacing a single tire, first check the owner’s manual to see if this is acceptable for your car. For a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle, the new tire is paired with whichever other tire has the deepest tread. These tires are then mounted on the rear axle.

If you need to replace two tires on a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle, then both new tires should be placed on the rear axle. This is to prevent hydroplaning if road conditions are wet.

Unfortunately, only replacing a single tire or two tires isn’t an option for most all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles.

Rotate your tires to preserve tread

One of the best ways to avoid premature tire damage is to have your tires rotated on a regular basis. Most drivers should plan on a tire rotation every six months or with every oil change to ensure even wear.

Are you looking for the leader in tire sales in Nelsonville, OH? Dana’s Tire Center is here to help with our huge stock, which includes the top brands in the industry. We have the expertise and inventory to get your car back on the road again. We’ll help you pick out the best tires for your car at an affordable price. Contact us right now to find out more.

Categorised in: Tires

This post was written by Writer