Can I just replace one tire?

You've got a flat tire—only one flat. The rest of your tires are in decent shape. You just need one replacement tire, right? Not quite! Although it might seem like a straightforward fix, replacing one tire on your vehicle, instead of two or four, can sometimes lead to unintended (and unfortunate) consequences. Learn what these consequences are and what to consider when replacing tires.

Reasons to Avoid Replacing Only One Tire

To achieve optimum vehicle handling, ride comfort, and road traction, it's generally recommended that you have all four tires replaced at the same time. Replacing one tire at a time can present challenges down the road since the one tire will have a different tread depth and thus different accelerating, braking, and cornering abilities than all of the others.

Think about it this way. Imagine if one of your running shoes got a hole in the bottom. Instead of buying a new pair of shoes, you buy just one shoe. Trying to run with one brand new and one worn shoe would probably feel pretty awkward and unbalanced.

Your car feels the same way when you replace just one tire. Significant wear imbalances between tires can negatively impact overall vehicle performance and stability. Plus, electronic and mechanical vehicle systems (like transfer cases, differentials, anti-lock brakes, and traction control systems) may have difficulty interpreting information from your tires when one is noticeably different from the rest.

Also, some vehicle manufacturers have specific recommendations or restrictions against the replacement of fewer than four tires. Check your owner's manual to see what your manufacturer recommends.

If You Must Replace Only One or Two Tires

Perhaps you only have the time and money to get one tire replaced. Or, your tire technician has evaluated the existing tread depth on your car's remaining tires, checked the vehicle’s owner’s manual and determined that replacing one tire is okay. Whatever the reason, here's how a replacement of only one or two tires generally works.

Front-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles

When replacing one tire: The new tire is paired with whatever tire on your vehicle has the deepest tread depth. Then, both tires are mounted on the rear axle.

When replacing two tires: The two new tires are mounted on the rear axle.

Also, if replacing only one or two tires, it is recommended that the tires are placed on the rear to prevent hydroplaning during wet road conditions.

Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Things are a bit trickier with four- and all-wheel drive vehicles. Even tiny differences in tire diameters on an axle, or between tires on different axles can lead to a glitch in the drivetrain system. Usually, all four tires are recommended to be replaced at once, but always check your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for specific guidance regarding your vehicle.

Staggered Fitment Vehicles

Vehicles with staggered fitment have different size wheels on the back and the front of the car. Wider and/or taller wheels are usually mounted on the back, which results in more grip on acceleration and a sportier aesthetic appeal. Common vehicles with staggered fitments include the INFINITI G35, Nissan 350X, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang.

When it comes to replacing one or two tires, always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. If none exists and no tires show excessive wear, it might be acceptable to install one or two tires to either axle as needed.

Recommendations That Don't Fall Flat

Replacing a single tire isn't always a good idea. Thankfully, with Firestone Complete Auto Care's selection of affordable tires with free installation services, you don't need to change just one tire! Help maintain solid control of your vehicle and visit your trusted local tire experts for repairs and replacements that are Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time!

Unfortunately, it can happen - you are faced with a tyre that cannot be repaired.

Perhaps your other tyres are in good condition. Does this mean that you replace only one tyre? Whilst it may seem as though this is a viable solution, replacing only one tyre can lead to serious issues.

What can be done if only one tyre needs replacing?

Ideally, you should always fit 4 new tyres at the same time. This will best ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

When you replace all 4 tyres at the same time, you are best situated to achieve:

• Optimum vehicle handling
• Ride comfort
• Road traction

In circumstances where fitting 4 new tyres is simply not an option, you may consider replacing 2 tyres. Before making any decisions, always refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. When in doubt, contact your local BestDrive store to speak with one of our trusted professionals. We can advise you of the appropriate course of action to take to ensure vehicle safety.

What would happen if you only replaced one tyre?

If you were to replace only one tyre, it would have a different tread depth to your remaining 3 tyres. As a result, the acceleration, braking and cornering abilities of your tyres will differ. In instances where the tyre wear is significant between tyres it can have a negative impact on the overall performance and stability of your vehicle.

In addition to this, replacing only one tyre can also create problems with the electronic and mechanical systems in your vehicle as a result of the replacement tyre being noticeably different from the older tyres. This includes problems with the anti-lock brakes and traction control systems, which may experience difficulty in interpreting information from your tyres.

What happens if you replace two tyres?

If replacing all 4 tyres is not an option, you may replace 2 tyres. In this instance, you should ensure that the 2 new tyres are fitted to the rear axle. This will help to prevent aquaplaning and oversteer during wet road conditions.

You should never mix tread patterns across the same axle or install a new tyre on one side of the axle and leave a partially worn out tyre on the other side. The tyres may grip differently on road surfaces leading to a loss of control. This is particularly noticeable during braking and cornering.

When fitting only two new tyres, always aim to replace them with the matching brand and tread pattern. If you are unsure, always refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations or speak to a professional at BestDrive.

Buying new tyres, or replacing an unrepairable tyre doesn’t always occur at the best time. Don’t compromise on vehicle handling and most importantly - your safety. BestDrive offers Openpay, which means that you can manage the payment of new tyres over a selected period of time, completely interest free. This can enable you to buy the tyres you really need, rather than those that you can afford at the time.

BestDrive supplies and fits a range of tyres from leading, trusted brands including, Continental, Kumho and General Tire. Contact your local BestDrive store to speak with one of our professionals to see how we can be of assistance to you. We will help you to find the right tyre replacement for your vehicle to keep you safe on the roads.

BestDrive. You drive, we care.

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