There is no way to sugar coat it anymore. Tires are expensive. Sometimes it can be hard to justify purchasing 4 or more new tires at the same time. It can be tempting to “save money” and only purchase tires 2 at a time. Before you head down this road it is important to take into consideration some key reasons why this may not be the best choice for you and your car. In the grand scheme of things, it is usually better to replace all of the tires on the vehicle at the same time. The tires and their traction with the road, are the only thing between you and certain destruction. Taking a moment to consider that will ensure you make the best and safest choice for you and your loved ones.
- Uniformity. Replacing all the tires ensures uniformity in brand, model, size, age, and tread pattern, which promotes balanced performance across all wheels. In contrast, replacing only a pair of tires can result in mismatched tread patterns and wear, leading to uneven handling and traction.
- Consistent Performance. When you replace all of the tires at the same time, you reset the wear pattern and ensure symmetrical wear across all wheels. This helps maintain consistent performance in terms of handling, braking, and traction, especially in poor weather conditions.
- Safety. Fresh tires provide optimal grip and responsiveness, enhancing safety on the road. New tires shed water better, reducing the likelihood of hydroplaning. They provide balanced traction for better braking, and steering control. Fresh tires are more pliable and grippy as compared to aged tires that have baked in the sun for several years. The industry standard life of a tire is 10 years.
- Extended Life and Cost-Effectiveness. Purchasing tires as a vehicle set provides opportunities that you don’t get with a few tires at a time. Many times, tires purchased as a set will come with a road hazard warranty, free tire rotations, included tire repairs, alignment checks, and sometimes tire rebates. Rotating your tires regularly is key to maximizing the life of your tires. When they are replaced in pairs, they typically do not get rotated like they should, which reduces their useful life.
- Alignment and Suspension. Tires that are replaced as sets and then rotated regularly can be useful in identifying alignment or suspension issues early on. Which can save you from having to purchase another set of tires prematurely. Many repair facilities will also check your alignment as part of your tire set purchase. Identifying and repairing alignment and suspension issues right away will maximize the life of your tires.
- Vehicle requirements. AWD (All Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four Wheel Drive) vehicle need tires the same diameter on all four corners. If the tires are mismatched, it can cause binding in the drivetrain. Which can accelerate wear and/or cause significant damage to your differentials, transfer case, driveshafts, or viscus couplers in AWD vehicles.
While replacing a pair of tires at a time can seem like a good way to save money initially, it can lead to potential safety risks, increased maintenance costs, and compromised vehicle performance. Overall, replacing your tires as a vehicle set can offer greater benefits overall and save you money in the long run.