Is It Safe to Change Just One Tire?

When you decide to replace a tire, there are a few things you need to consider. Are you replacing all four tires or just one? Is there extensive damage? How do the treads look? etc.

Since tires aren’t cheap, we want to provide our customers with a basic guide for replacing one or more tires. 

Changing Your Tires

If you don’t remember the last time you checked your tires for excessive wear and tear, then it's high-time you head out to the driveway and check that box off your task list. Your front tires will typically show signs that they are ready  to be changed first. This is because they sustain the motor’s weight and drive the vehicle, which increases friction.

While a majority of vehicles manufactured from 2007 onwards have tire sensors that will let you know when the pressure drops through a dashboard alert. Even then, an inspection of every tire is necessary before going on a trip. If you can’t repair the defective tire, getting an entirely new one is the only solution. Underinflated tires put you at risk for a blowout or worse, at highway speeds, this can be fatal.

If your tire has excess air, it can lead to damages as well. Swelling on the tire reduces the measure of a tire coming in contact with the road, making it more vulnerable to get damaged when it hits a pothole.

Tires weaken with age, and after some time, they become a security risk. Therefore, as suggested by the vehicle manufacturer and the tire manufacturer, your tires should be monitored regularly.

Differing Tire Treads

If you are not replacing all of your tires, it is important that you check to make sure the treads are nearly identical between the new and old tires. If your treads differ significantly, your car can develop extensive mechanical issues. 

Tire Type   

Your tires should have the same tread pattern and the type. Whether they are front or rear tires, all of your tires must be the same and have the same or comparable tread conditions. If your specific tire model is inaccessible, do your best to find something that is similar or reach out to one of our experts.

Vehicle Type

If you drive an AWD vehicle, most manufacturers suggest that you replace all the tires at once. The reason is that the tires in an AWD vehicle develop uniform wear and tear over time as the tires are doing roughly the same amount of work. Go through your owner's manual to find out what is recommended by the manufacturer. Some will recommend an all four-tire replacement; however, it's o.k. for some to replace only one or a couple at a time.