If you decide to replace only one tire, the replacement should be the same model, size and tread pattern as the others. A different brand or model tire will have even greater differences in traction and number of revolutions per mile, and it's likely to wear at a different rate.
If your tires are pretty new, you may be able to get away with just replacing one or two tires. If your tires have worn down and there will be more than 4/32” difference between the new tires and old tires, you should get all new tires.
In fact, in some narrow cases, you can replace only one tire , but this is generally only when the rest of your tires are fairly new. Most of the time, you should replace your tires in pairs.
Tyres are replaced in pairs across the same axle to avoid steering and safety issues. In fact, driving with two different tyre types across an axle is illegal and an automatic MOT fail.
Basically, mismatched tires will wear out at different rates. However, if all four tires are the same model and size and the owner has rotated them correctly, they'll wear out at roughly the same time. Therefore, you'll be able to buy four new tires, avoiding mismatched tires and eventual damage.
"The problem with replacing only one tire is that the new tire has deeper treads," Marchand says. "(That) can cause traction problems when cornering and even cause difficulties with the traction control system and the stability control system."
For optimal safety and performance, we recommend fitting the same tyres to every wheel position on your car, so you should have the same brand, size, tread pattern, load index and speed rating on the front and rear tyres.
A wheel alignment isn't necessary when you have new tires installed, but it's a really (like, really) good idea. An alignment helps ensure that all four tires are correctly angled with each other and the road.
Ideally you should not mix tyre makes and tread patterns on the same axle – it's important for the front two to match and the rear two to match. That's because driving with mismatched tyres can pose a risk; causing an imbalance in steering, braking and rolling resistance.
We would always recommend that for optimum safety, drivers should have their newest tyres fitted to the rear of their vehicle. This will ensure that have greater grip on the rear axle and should prevent any potential oversteer or loss of vehicle stability on slippery surfaces.
To meet legal safety standards in the U.S., a tire's tread needs to be at least 2/32” deep. If the tires do not meet the 2/32” standard or are approaching not meeting it, you should replace your tires. When replacing tires, it's important to select the right tire size for your vehicle.
If the front tires lose traction, the unworn rear tires will help stabilize the back of the vehicle while you steer. This helps the vehicle continue travelling in a straight line so you can safely maintain control. Placing your new tires on the front of the vehicle creates a less manageable driving situation.
It is recommended to replace your tires in sets of four for all vehicles but particularly important for all-wheel drive vehicles. All four tires should be the same brand, tread design, size, construction and tread depth to prevent differences in the outside diameter of each tire.
Car tyres and the MOT
It's not illegal to have tyres from different manufacturers fitted to your car.
One of the easiest signs to identify is when your car pulls to a particular side when driving. It's normal for slight pulling to the left or right, however if you find you have to constantly steer to keep straight - you've likely got an alignment problem.
Typically, it is recommended to get your wheels aligned every 2 to 3 years. However, to ensure the optimal safety of your car, yourself and others around you, it is best to opt for a wheel alignment every time you go to change your oil of the vehicle.
If two of your tires wear out faster, it may only be necessary to replace those two instead of replacing all four. If you do, it's important to have the two new tires installed on the back and the partially worn tires moved to the front – even on front-wheel-drive vehicles.
If you decide to use mismatched tires or wheels, you need to ensure that each axle of your vehicle contains the same tires. On a 2-axle vehicle, the two front tires should match and the two rear tires should match. Rear tires do not necessarily have to match the pair of front tires.
Replacing one or three tires is not an option unless you are utilizing a full size spare of the exact size, manufacturer, model, and tread depth of the new tires you plan to install. Otherwise, you'll need to change 2 or 4.
Various manufacturers and car experts have established that a vehicle should have four matching tires. The type, the model, and even the amount of wear and tear should be the same.
It's always best to replace all 4 tires at the same time. This is because all 4 tires spin independently of one another, and different tread depths and/or styles can cause them to spin at different speeds. That could potentially damage the drive train, and possibly affect an indirect TPMS system if the vehicle has one.
Since most cars today are FWD and the front tires are responsible for acceleration, steering and most braking, they normally wear faster than the rears.
On average, people drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, which means the average good quality all-season tire will last somewhere between three and five years, depending on maintenance, driving style and conditions, etc.
Some automakers suggest that tires be replaced as soon as they turn six years old. Some tire experts contend that tires can last anywhere from six to ten years if they're stored and cared for properly. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains.