Why Changing Tires in Pairs is Essential?

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If you're like most drivers, you may not give much thought to your tires until one of them goes flat. But if you're driving on a spare tire, you may be putting yourself and others at risk. That's because driving on a spare tire can be dangerous, and it's not a permanent solution. Eventually, you'll need to replace the flat tire with a full one. But did you know that it's important to change both tires on the same axle at the same time?

In this article, we'll explore the importance of changing tires in pairs and provide guidance on how to do it correctly. We'll also cover some of the benefits of changing tires in pairs.

Let’s get started:

1. Balanced Performance

One of the primary reasons for changing tires in pairs is to ensure balanced performance. 
Tires play a significant role in how your vehicle handles, brakes, and maintains stability on the road. When you replace tires in pairs, it helps maintain consistency between the front and rear tires. 

A single new tire, with different tread depth and grip, can lead to imbalanced handling and compromise your safety. Uneven traction can affect how your vehicle responds to steering inputs, making it less predictable and potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

2. Consistent Traction

Traction is a crucial factor for maintaining control of your vehicle, particularly in adverse weather conditions. When you have mismatched tires, with varying levels of tread wear, it can affect the overall grip and traction of your vehicle. 

Tires with different levels of traction can lead to uneven braking performance, reduced stability, and an increased risk of hydroplaning. Changing tires in pairs ensures that both tires on an axle have similar levels of grip, allowing for consistent traction and predictable handling.

3. Even Wear and Longevity

Tires wear down over time due to regular usage, road conditions, and driving habits. This is why it is important to know when to replace tires.

If you replace only a single worn-out tire, the new tire will have a significantly different tread depth than the older tire on the opposite side. This discrepancy can lead to uneven wear patterns, as the newer tire will wear down at a different rate than the older tire. By changing tires in pairs, you help ensure even wear and promote the longevity of your tires. Consistent wear also improves fuel efficiency and saves you money in the long run.

4. Maximizing the Benefits of Advanced Systems

Modern vehicles often come equipped with advanced safety systems, such as antilock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control. These systems rely on the tires' ability to maintain consistent grip and traction.

Mismatched tires can disrupt the proper functioning of these systems, as the varying levels of traction can confuse the sensors and reduce their effectiveness. Changing tires in pairs ensures that these systems work optimally, providing you with the maximum benefits of advanced safety features.

Changing a Tire


5. Increased Peace of Mind

Changing both tires on the same axle can help reduce the risk of being stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire. This means you will be able to go long distances without any worries.

6. Improved Safety

Driving on a spare tire can be dangerous, as it can lead to a blowout or loss of control. Changing both tires on the same axle reduces this risk. It is important not only for your safety but also for the safety of other passengers in the vehicle, other cars on the road, and passersby. 

When both tires on the same axle are new, they provide better traction and stability, which can help you maintain control of your vehicle. Poor tires can lead to serious consequences. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11,000 accidents occur annually as a result of inadequate tires.

New tires can help keep this number down while also reducing the risk of hydroplaning, which can occur when a tire loses contact with the road surface and begins to slide on water.

7. Extended Tire Life

When both tires on the same axle are new, they wear evenly, which can help extend the life of your tires. This means you will get to save money in the long-run while enjoying greater peace. 

8. Better Fuel Efficiency

New tires can improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency, as they have less rolling resistance than old tires. Now, how much impact it has on fuel depends on a variety of factors. Nonetheless, according to industry estimates, a 10 percent increase in tire rolling resistance can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency by approximately 1 to 2 percent. Therefore, drivers should anticipate a reduction of around 2% to 4% in miles per gallon (mpg) after getting new tires.

What Happens if You Don't Change Your Tire in Pairs?

Now that you know the importance of changing your tires in pairs, let us also talk about the risk of not changing your tires in pairs.

Imbalanced Performance

Mismatched tires with varying tread depth and grip levels can lead to imbalanced performance. The new tire will have different characteristics than the older tire on the opposite side, causing uneven handling, braking, and stability. This imbalance can make your vehicle feel unpredictable and potentially compromise your safety on the road.

Reduced Traction

Tires are responsible for providing grip and traction on the road surface. When you have mismatched tires, one with more tread depth and traction than the other, it can negatively impact your vehicle's traction. Reduced traction can affect your ability to accelerate, brake, and steer properly, particularly in adverse weather conditions like rain or snow. This can increase the risk of accidents or make it more challenging to maintain control of your vehicle.

Uneven Wear 

Tires wear down over time due to regular usage and road conditions. When you replace only one tire, the new tire will have significantly different tread depth compared to the older tire on the opposite side. This discrepancy can lead to uneven wear patterns. The newer tire will wear down at a different rate than the older tire, potentially causing handling issues and necessitating premature replacement of the remaining worn tire.

Incompatibility with Safety Systems

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety systems that rely on the consistent performance of tires. Mismatched tires can interfere with these systems, such as antilock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control. Different levels of traction from mismatched tires can confuse these systems, reducing their effectiveness and compromising your safety on the road.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

Mismatched tires can also impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Tires with different levels of rolling resistance can cause uneven distribution of forces, leading to increased fuel consumption. Consistently replacing tires in pairs ensures that both tires on an axle have similar characteristics, promoting even wear and better fuel economy.

Changing your tires


For How Long Can We Delay Not Changing Both Tires?

The mileage you can safely drive on a spare tire depends on the type of spare you have. However, it is generally recommended to replace your spare tire as soon as possible. If you have a full-size spare tire, you have more flexibility and can drive for a longer distance. However, if you have a smaller space-saver spare tire, it is advisable to replace it within approximately 70 miles at most. 

Driving beyond this limit can compromise the spare tire's integrity and safety. Regardless of the spare tire type, it is always best to replace it promptly to ensure your vehicle's optimal performance and safety on the road.

Also, the length of time you can delay changing both tires depends on various factors, including the condition of your tires, driving conditions, and your personal tolerance for potential risks. 

While it is generally recommended to change tires in pairs, there may be some situations where you can delay replacing both tires for a short period. However, it's important to note that delaying the replacement of mismatched tires can increase the risks associated with imbalanced performance and reduced traction.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can't replace both tires immediately, consider the following:

Tread Depth

Check the tread depth of your tires. If the tread depth of the older tire is significantly low, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible to maintain adequate traction and prevent unsafe driving conditions.

Driving Conditions

Consider the prevailing weather and road conditions in your area. If you frequently encounter slippery or challenging road surfaces due to rain, snow, or uneven terrain, it becomes even more crucial to have tires with consistent traction. In such conditions, replacing both tires promptly is recommended.

Driving Habits

Evaluate your driving habits and the importance you place on safety. If you frequently drive at high speeds, take frequent long trips, or have passengers in your vehicle, it is advisable not to delay replacing both tires. Optimal traction and balanced performance are especially important for maintaining control and reducing the risk of accidents.

Consult with a Professional

If you're unsure about the condition of your tires or how long you can delay replacement, it's best to consult with a professional tire expert or your vehicle manufacturer. They can provide specific guidance based on the condition of your tires and the requirements of your vehicle.

Remember, delaying the replacement of both tires increases the likelihood of imbalanced performance, reduced traction, and compromised safety. It's always recommended to replace tires in pairs to maintain optimal handling, stability, and overall vehicle performance.