Do You Have To Replace All Four Tires On Your Car?

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Don't Let A Flat Tire Stop You

Thanks for heading over to my site. I'm Kerry Webster. I have the worst wanderlust. When I had more free time, I put all of my belongings in storage, ended the lease with my apartment and hit the road. I would stay at hotels here and there, but most of my time was spent in my car. I quickly discovered the importance of auto maintenance, especially the maintenance of my tires. When your tires and wheels are not functioning properly, it is simply not safe to be on the road. So I decided to record much of what I have learned about tires and wheels on my blog.

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Do You Have To Replace All Four Tires On Your Car?

21 August 2017
 Categories: , Blog


Even though having good tires on a car is a necessity, some car owners are unable to buy a full set each time there is a need, especially considering a new tire can cost as much as $350. As a result, many are opting for buying one or two tires at a time instead of a full set. However, this practice could result in increased wear and tear on the tires and the car. If you are thinking of buying a couple of tires instead of a full set, here is what you need to know.

What Harm Could Buying Two Tires Cause?

Whether buying two new tires as opposed to four could be harmful to your car depends on if your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive. If your car is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, you can likely get away with just replacing the tires on the front or back. However, if your car is an all-wheel drive, buying four new tires is preferable.

With an all-wheel drive car, each tire receives a certain amount of torque to improve the amount of control that the car has. When there is a difference in the tires, the differential of the car will work harder to make up for the difference. Unfortunately, the longer your car operates with tires that are unevenly worn, the more likely it is that the drivetrain will burn out.

What Should You Look for in Two Tires?

If you absolutely cannot buy more than two tires, you need to make sure that the tires are matched correctly. Look carefully at the size and, if possible, try to buy tires that are from the same manufacturer as the ones on your car currently. The closer the tires are in construction, the more likely it is that there will not be damage from only switching out two.

You should also put the new tires on the rear. The rear-end is responsible for preventing oversteering and can prevent an accident on slippery road conditions. Of the four older tires, choose the ones with the best tread to go onto the front of your car.

How Can You Make Your Tires Last Longer?

It is possible to extend the lifespan of your tires with good care. The longer the tires last, the more time there is to save for their replacements.

You can start caring for your tires by checking the air pressure each month. The tires should be inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You can also have your wheels balanced. Balancing helps to prevent uneven wear and tear. For more information and help with tire maintenance, visit tire stores in your area.