It’s time to replace a tire or two but you notice that two of your tires are still in excellent condition. You’re also on a relatively tight budget. What do you do? While it is recommended to replace all four tires, this isn’t always possible. Click here to read more about what you can do when you just can’t replace them all at once!

It is almost always advised to never mix tire brand, tire size, or tread design on your vehicle. Most tire professionals will tell you to use identical tires for all of your wheels so you maintain better control and an even wear. So what happens when your tires don’t wear out at the same time? The first choice is to replace them all when one tire becomes worn, but this isn’t always feasible. Let’s take a look at a few viable options in case you aren’t in the market to purchase a full set of tires.

Buy in Pairs

If buying a full set of tires is out of the question, be sure and buy at least two tires at a time. Buying tires in pairs allows for a more even wear across the axle. Purchasing one single new tire has more drawbacks than it’s worth, both in the long and short run. For example, single tire replacements may have negative effects such as wear and tear on the suspension and transmission.

Choose Original Equipment

If you must buy two tires rather than four, the best option is to buy Original Equipment (OE) tires. OE tires are the tires that came equipped with your vehicle at the time of purchase and are generally the ones recommended most by your car’s manufacturer. OE can also mean the tires you currently have on your wheels, even if they aren’t the ones that came originally on your car. The main point is to match the new tires exactly with the ones currently being used. If OE tires will not be used it is advised to at least choose tires from within the same performance category. These tires will still need to be the same size and have similar speed ratings. Neglecting to do so may result in poor handling or unsafe driving conditions.

Rear Axle Installation

Newer tires with deeper tread should be installed on the rear axle. Rear axle installation generally helps drivers maintain control, especially on wet roads. The deeper tread from the new tires aids in the avoidance of hydroplaning. While it is strongly recommended to replace all four tires simultaneously, we know that isn’t always possible. There are many reasons why you may choose to replace only two, so do your best to ensure the replacement pair matches the tires you currently use. If you are still unsure, call us! One of our tire professionals will be happy to further assist you.