Safe and comfortable driving is guaranteed in large part by the tyres. Since they are all that touch the road, their health determines braking performance and also affects the use of fuel. Many people tend to ask if one or two new tyres can replace all of them. Even so, experts usually point out that it is better to replace all four tyres at once. Several elements are important for such a decision, like the kind of vehicle, the level of wear, and the conditions during your drive. Wondering why replacing four tyres at once works? Well, there are reasons why it’s best to change all four tyres together. Come on, take a look at them!
Why Replace All Four Tyres at Once?
Here’s a list of the top eight reasons why all four tyres need to be replaced at once:
Reason 1. Ensures Even Tread Depth for Stability
When all your car’s tyres have the same amount of tread, the car is easier to control. Should two tyres be extremely newer than the rest, the change in tread height could result in the car becoming unbalanced while cornering or stopping. Having even weight distribution on the wheels thanks to treads lets the car maintain balance and increases maneuverability when the conditions are tough.
Reason 2. Preserves Modern Vehicle Safety Systems
When ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is installed in a vehicle, it depends on the tyres rotating at the same speed. Unequal tread depth can cause the sensors to act late or in the wrong manner. If all four tyres and the safety systems are working as expected, you have a great chance of safety in an emergency situation.
Reason 3. Protects AWD/4WD Components
Cars with all-wheel and four-wheel drive are very sensitive to tyre changes. Different thicknesses of the tread on tyres can increase friction inside the drivetrain. As a result, these parts wear out faster than they should. To take care of the drivetrain and lower repair expenses, having all four tyres replaced at the same time is safer.
Reason 4. Promotes Better Braking and Cornering
If each tyre has the same amount of grip, you can stop your car straight. It will also help you handle the turns more easily. When your tyres are not of the same size, you may face problems. You may notice that only one side’s brakes or steering responds differently than the other. It becomes much more dangerous to slide on slippery surfaces. So, travelling on roads after rain or when covered with gravel is not safe. Four tyres that are the same improve both the handling and direction of the vehicle.
Reason 5. Improves Fuel Efficiency
If your tyres are worn or different from each other, your car can use more fuel while driving. Unmatched tyre treads can cause uneven movement of the vehicle and may result in using more fuel. The use of four brand-new, identical tyres creates less resistance, which increases the engine’s performance and lets you save fuel.
Reason 6. Reduces Vibration and Noise
A car driven by tyres that either have different levels of wear or come from different brands often feels rocky and makes loud noises. As a result, people on long drives may feel uncomfortable and damage some suspension components. Smaller road outcomes are possible with uniform tyres, as they make the ride calmer and reduce vehicle wear for a longer time.
Reason 7. Allows Even Tyre Rotation for Longevity
Rotating your tyres frequently will help you use them for a longer period. To rotate tyres properly, all tyres should have a similar wear and tread levels. If you replace all four tyres at once, it makes it possible for them to wear evenly and last longer.
Reason 8. Minimizes the Risk of Unexpected Tyre Failures
Tyres that are used or damaged often experience punctures, blowouts, or losing control while skidding. Although only one or two tyres are brand new, the rest can still increase the risk of an accident. Replacing all four tyres makes it much more likely that you won’t have any problems on the road, keeping your vehicle stable for all journeys ahead.
5 Smart Tips to Follow While Changing All Four Tyres
Here are expanded, actionable tips to ensure safety and precision when changing tyres:
- Park on a flat, solid surface and engage the parking brake
Do not replace tyres when the ground is uneven or at a slope. Park your vehicle in gear, and apply the parking brake before you try to start it - Use wheel chocks to prevent accidental movement
Put chocks or large stones at the front and rear of the wheels that will stay on the floor. Using this method means your car won’t roll while you are jacking it up. - Loosen the lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle
With the help of a wrench, remove a little of the resistance from each lug nut as the tyre is still on the ground. The wheel will not turn freely overhead, thanks to the tightening of the bolt. - Position the jack correctly under the manufacturer’s lift point
Open your car manual to learn where to properly place the jack, as it is most often found on the front and back wheels. Wrong placement of the tyre can cause the vehicle’s underbody to suffer or raise safety concerns. - Tighten lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern
When you have the new tyre on, tighten all the lug nuts by following a star or criss-cross pattern. It guarantees that the wheel sits flat on the hub so that there are no vibrations and consistent tyre wear.
Conclusion
In most cases, uniform tyres are better supported by vehicles equipped with today’s advanced technologies and all-wheel drive. It guarantees tyres wear out evenly, control is stable, and expenses for fuel and repairs are reduced in the long run. In case only two tyres have to be changed, make sure they are put on the back axle for better handling.