Tire Buying Guides

The importance of replacing all four tires at once

Last updated 9/01/2022 - Originally published 9/23/2020
Written by SimpleTire

When it comes time to replace tires, it is recommended that you replace all four tires at once. Replacing all four tires at the same time is the best way to help ensure the best traction and safety possible.

Why Replace All Four Tires at Once?

Ideally, the consumer wants to save as much money as possible when changing out parts on their vehicle. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles can be expensive to maintain, but if properly maintained, they'll be far less expensive in the long run. Ultimately, fitting your vehicle with four quality tires will prevent a vehicle owner from needing to rely on a spare or a premature replacement tire except in the unfortunate event of a tire blowout or tire damage caused by road hazards. Replacing all of your tires at the same time with quality tires can even help avoid these tire damage scenarios.

The immediate benefit of replacing all four tires at once is twofold: safety and performance. Most importantly, the vehicle will be safer. Tires are designed, engineered, and constructed to work together, not independently. While there are tests done on each individual tire, it's the application of all four to a vehicle that makes your vehicle meet the safety standards determined by the vehicle manufacturer.

In addition to the safety advantages of possessing four matching tires, a vehicle will experience increased performance capability with four matching tires. Again, tire performance is tested with the tires operating as a unit. This is especially important when considering high-performance vehicles and tires as well as tire function in wet and inclement weather.

Other Benefits of Replacing All Four Tires

There are other benefits when you replace all four tires at once including a smoother ride and the capability to maintain all four tires as they should be. Mismatched tires can lead to unpleasant tire noise and a vehicle that handles differently when you rotate your tires regularly.

For example, tires may be similar but if they're only matching on the front and matching on the back, maneuverability, traction and the smoothness of the ride may change every 5,000 - 6,000 miles when the tires are rotated. This inconsistency can be very unsafe because the performance you expect from your vehicle will not be there when the tires change from front to back and vice versa.

Buying four tires will also open the door to cost savings per tire. Tires are periodically less expensive per tire when purchased in a set of four. Tire manufacturers often have special discounts that are only eligible for full sets of tires. Keep your eyes open for special promotions like Buy 3, Get 1 Free. These sales can make a full set of tires worth more than just better safety and performance for your vehicle.

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