I've heard you need to replace all 4 at a time so they match. This one tire is causing a slight shimmy which is starting to drive me nuts. My mechanic said it's ok to leave as is until I replace my tires, but I don't know how old mine are or when I'll need to replace them either. Help!
2007-07-31 11:36:17 · 7 answers · asked by The Naughty Librarian 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
just replace 2 tires and put them on the front and have the car aligned.
2007-07-31 12:34:23 · answer #1 · answered by mister ss 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On All-Wheel-Drive and many 4-Wheel Drive vehicles you should always replace 4 tires at the same time - unless you want to ruin your transfer case.
On a front or rear wheel drive vehicle it is possible to replace only one tire but for best performance all 4 tires should match - same brand, model, treadwear, etc. Sometimes that is not practical in which case the next best thing to do is replace a pair of tires so that each axle has a matched set of tires that behave and perform in exactly the same way. If replacing only 2 tires though the new tires should be mounted on the REAR AXLE, as per RMA and tire industry guidelines. And yes, that most definately includes FWD vehicles. It is dramatically SAFER to have the tires with the best tread on the rear axle.
If you buy just one tire, keep in mind that you will probably have mismatched tires for the rest of the cars life so this problem will never go away. Also keep in mind that tirs are the #1 piece of safety equipment on your vehicle. Not the first place I would elect to go cheap.
The curious part is why do you have just one tire that is badly worn? Is this an alignment problem? If so, that needs to be resolved or you will just go through this again. Is the tire suffering a ply separation (evidenced by a bulge in one part of the tread that allows that part of the tire to wear at a faster rate). If it is a ply separation the tire is unsafe and needs to be replaced immediately.
ASE Certified Automotive Service Advisor working in the tire industry
2007-07-31 15:35:53 · answer #2 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you do not need to replace all four at one time, they only have to match in size. Yes it is better to get the same brand on front or back, but no they do not have to all match.
2007-07-31 11:43:25 · answer #3 · answered by Pengy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no u can just get one but i would go to an alignment shop and see why that tire is wearing out before the other ur vehicle could be out of tow
2007-07-31 11:42:32 · answer #4 · answered by jim_beam3001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would probably be a good idea to figure out what is causing your tire to wear, alignment problems, worn bearings, etc..
2007-07-31 11:51:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are worried replace the one bad tire and get them rotated ever few monthes, I had the same problem on my old car
2007-07-31 11:44:01 · answer #6 · answered by nupeper 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would replace it alone becuase the tire may blow out before the otehrs are due.
2007-07-31 11:43:34 · answer #7 · answered by gbpackers_fan1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋