The number of tyres you should replace at once depends on your vehicle type, driving conditions, and the condition of your existing tyres. Getting this decision right is important for safety, handling, and getting the best value from your investment.
Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles: You can safely replace tyres in pairs, ideally both front tyres together or both rear tyres together. This maintains balanced handling and traction. If you're only replacing the front pair, ensure the new tyres go on the front axle, as they handle steering, braking, and acceleration.
All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles: It's generally recommended to replace all four tyres simultaneously. This is because AWD systems rely on uniform tyre circumference for proper operation. Mixing tyres with different tread depths can cause drivetrain stress and potential damage to expensive components like differentials and transfer cases.
When to replace all four tyres:
- All tyres are approaching the legal limit (1.6mm tread depth)
- You drive an AWD/4WD vehicle
- Tyre wear is uneven across all four tyres
- You want optimal performance and handling
- The tyres are more than six years old
Benefits of replacing in pairs or sets: Better value for money through bulk purchasing, improved vehicle balance and handling, even wear patterns, and simplified maintenance scheduling.
At tyres.online, you can easily compare prices for pairs or full sets from our partner retailers, ensuring you get the best deal whether you're replacing two or four tyres.