Imagine you just installed a set of four new tyres for a month and, you have a tyre burst beyond repair. Technician told you to replace at least a pair of tyres.
Are you still willing to pay for an extra one new tyre simply because you only got one tyre burst?
There is a reason behind why technician recommend changing at least a pair of new tyres. However, does this reason still hold water? Let’s investigate.
Why Technician Advise To Replace All Four Tyres At First?
Replacing a set of four is actually recommended by tyre manufacturers in order to offer optimal balance and best performance. Some technicians (in HK) made use of this statement as a selling technique to advise drivers “you NEED to replace all four tyres” regardless of F/RWD, or AWD.
However, another statement from tyre manufacturers follows “you need to at least replace a pair of tyres on the same axle”.
Tyre and vehicle manufacturers do not suggest changing ONE tyre
Tyre manufacturers discourage one tyre replacement as a new tyre circumference can be different from the opposite on the same axle. This will cause unbalance between left and right, causing driving discomfort and potential vehicle parts damage.
Some tyre retailers (in oversea markets) actually offer something called “tyre shaving” that help customer to trim the NEW tyre circumference to balance the left and right.
Can you still change ONE tyre?
A short answer: Yes.
It depends on the other tyre condition. If it’s new tyres just installed recently, it’s fine to replace just ONE. A minor discrepancy between two sides after replacing a new tyre. An important to note to replace ONE tyre on modern vehicles – You NEED to get the exact same tyre specification (same size, same loading and speed index, same model, same manufacturing place, same marking/no marking).
Disturbing ABS sound keep activating after replacing just one tyre
My customer new electric vehicle experiences continuous ABS activation sound after replacing just one tyre at the car dealer service center. The technicians (together with the person from the car manufacturer) told him that the ABS is too sensitive and replacing one tyre causing unbalance between left and right, which trigger the activation of ABS. Then they added – “no one will replace one tyre, they normally get a pair”.
Unfortunately the car technicians missed out one thing. They did not replace the exact same tyre specification.
Original Equipped Tyre: 255/45 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport EV, made in China.
ONE tyre being replaced: 255/45 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport EV, GOE marking, made in Thailand.
Although both tyre models are Michelin Pilot Sport EV, the one with GOE marking apparently have narrower tyre tread as compared to the original equipped. Even the tyre tread pattern is slightly different from each other. (images below)
Tread width : Around 225 – 227 mm
Tread width : Around 220 – 222 mm
Slightly wider grooves on the outside
Conclusion:
Change 1 tyre if:
- in the case of recent replacement not long ago.
Change at least 2 tyres if:
- tyres have installed for over a year / driven more than 5000 km.
Following cases sharing over the years
1. If my tyre model is out of stock, can I still change ONE tyre with another tyre model?
A: I never suggest changing one tyre with different model.
Putting legal regulation aside, two different models cause two different kind of traction on both side. This may cause instability especially on hard cornering.
But here in HK, a lot of drivers actually replace one different tyre model and put it at the rear in an attempt to reduce the effect.
The same thing happens in China as well especially in vehicle rental company. I did rent one with two different tyre models at the rear when I traveled in Inner Monoglia.
So, practically speaking it still works with two different tyre models but there is insufficient sampling to show the effect on the vehicle parts.
2. Where should I install that one new tyre?
A: Same position or the rear.
Here in HK, a lot of drivers actually experiencing tyre side wear off. Over 80% of the vehicles have one tyre on the side wear off faster than the other side. You may adjust depending on your vehicle condition.
3. Can AWD replace just 2 tyres?
A: I once heard that Subaru Impreza is required to replace a set of four otherwise engine light will pop up.
I have a customer with Tesla Model X (AWD) normally replace 2 tyres at a time, with front and rear axle different tyre models. I also have customers driving Kia Sorento AWD replacing 2 tyres at a time.
Honestly speaking, it’s difficult to say one for all. Given the fact that tyre side wear off always happen in Hong Kong, and there is no such “tyre shaving” service available, most AWD owners often have front and rear tyre wear off differently. They should experience problems earlier than any other places in the world if AWD is required to replace a set of four tyres all the time.
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