Should You Always Replace Car Tires in Pairs? - Consumer Reports
In summary, buying a single tire is a viable "patch" for a new set, but a risky gamble for an older one. When facing this choice, the best course of action is to have a technician measure the tread depth of your remaining tires. If the difference is too great, the upfront cost of a second tire—or even a full set—is a small price to pay compared to the long-term costs of uneven wear or mechanical failure. If you're dealing with a flat right now, tell me: What is the of your car? Is it All-Wheel Drive ? Roughly how many miles are on your current tires? can you buy just one tire
Technically, tire retailers are happy to sell a single unit. This is common when a relatively new tire suffers a non-repairable puncture or sidewall damage. If your other three tires are nearly new—typically with less than 2/32" to 4/32" of tread wear—replacing just the damaged one is a perfectly safe and logical decision. Should You Always Replace Car Tires in Pairs
For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, the rules are even stricter. AWD systems are designed to deliver specific amounts of torque to each wheel based on precise rotation speeds. A single new tire with a larger circumference can trick the system into thinking a wheel is slipping, causing the drivetrain to constantly engage. Over time, this creates excessive heat and friction, potentially leading to thousands of dollars in damage to the center differential or transfer case. In many AWD models, manufacturers recommend that all four tires have matching tread depths, meaning one flat tire could technically necessitate a full set of four. If the difference is too great, the upfront
The short answer is yes, you can buy just one tire. However, while it is physically possible and often the most budget-friendly immediate choice, whether you should depends entirely on the health of your remaining tires and the type of vehicle you drive.
The complexity arises when the existing tires have significant mileage. On a two-wheel-drive vehicle, a brand-new tire paired with an older, worn tire on the same axle creates an imbalance. Because the new tire has a larger diameter due to its full tread, it rotates at a slightly different speed than its worn counterpart. This can cause the car to pull to one side or interfere with the traction control and anti-lock braking systems. According to experts at Consumer Reports , if your tires are more than 30 percent worn, you should generally replace them in pairs to maintain balanced handling and braking performance.