One or all Four? Your Best Bet When it Comes to a Blown Tire

Should You Replace All Four Tires If One Goes Bad, or Is Replacing Just the Damaged Tire Okay?

It’s a common scenario here in Louisville: you’re driving along and suddenly hit a pothole or find a nail from road construction that causes one of your tires to blow out. And now you’re left wondering whether to replace all four tires or just the damaged one. Because, while replacing only one tire may seem like the easiest and most cost-effective solution, there is a “best practices” argument that says all four should be replaced. But why?

To answer this question, the experts at Meineke in Louisville explore the pros and cons of replacing just the damaged tire, or if replacing all four is better.

Pros and Cons of Replacing One Tire

Pros:

- Cost Savings: Replacing just one tire is significantly cheaper than replacing all four.
- Quick Fix: It’s a faster and simpler solution if your other tires are in good shape.

Cons:

- Uneven Wear: Mismatched tread depth can affect handling and traction, especially on AWD vehicles.
- Potential for Damage: Uneven wear on tires can lead to damage in your drivetrain, differential, and other key components in AWD vehicles.

Pros and Cons of Replacing All Four Tires

Pros:

- Improved Performance: Replacing all four tires ensures consistent tread depth, which leads to better handling and performance.
- Even Wear: You won’t have to worry about uneven wear affecting your vehicle’s performance or longevity.

Cons:

- Higher Cost: Replacing all four tires is more expensive.
- Unnecessary in Some Cases: If your other tires are relatively new, replacing all four may be an unnecessary expense.

What About Replacing Two Tires?

If you drive a FWD or RWD vehicle, replacing two tires instead of all four may be a happy medium. Because, by replacing both tires on the same axle, you ensure balanced handling and traction without the full expense of four new tires. However, this option works best if your other tires still have plenty of life left.

Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

1. Type of Vehicle

The type of vehicle you drive is an important consideration in whether you can replace just one tire or need to replace all four.

- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Vehicles
  AWD vehicles rely on an even distribution of traction across all four tires. So, when one tire has significantly more or less tread than the others, it can cause uneven wear on the drivetrain and put strain on other mechanical components. And for AWD vehicles, it’s generally recommended to replace all four tires if one goes bad, or at least two at a time (both on the same axle). Because this ensures the tread depth is consistent.
- Two-Wheel Drive (FWD/RWD) Vehicles
  With front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, you have a little more leeway. But if you’re replacing just one tire, it’s best to replace both tires on the same axle. Because, this ensures consistent traction and handling. For example, if a front tire is damaged on a FWD vehicle, you would replace both front tires for balanced performance.

2. Tread Depth

The condition of your remaining tires is also an important factor. So, if your other tires still have plenty of tread left, you may be able to replace just the damaged one. However, if the tread on your existing tires is worn down significantly compared to the new tire, you risk creating uneven wear.

- Matching Tread Depth
  Tires with varying tread depths can result in uneven tire rotation speeds, especially in AWD vehicles, And this can impact performance and cause damage over time. So, the general rule of thumb is that if your other tires have more than 50% of their tread life remaining, you may be able to replace just one or two tires. But, if they’re more worn, it’s better to replace all four.

3. Brand and Tire Type

Matching the brand and type of tire is another consideration when replacing just one. So, if you can find a replacement tire that’s the same model and size as the others, it may be safe to only replace the damaged tire. However, mixing brands or models can affect your vehicle’s handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.

4. Alignment and Balance

If you opt to replace just one or two tires, be sure to have your vehicle’s alignment and balance checked afterward. Because, misaligned or imbalanced tires can lead to uneven tire wear and may affect your vehicle’s steering.

Meineke in Louisville Can Help You Figure Out the Best Option for You, Your Vehicle, And Your Wallet.

So, if you’re unsure whether to replace one, two, or all four tires, call Meineke on Bardstown Road in Louisville to discuss your vehicle’s needs. Because their ASE certified tire experts can help you find the best solution that meets your needs.

If the Meineke on Bardstown Road in Louisville is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 15 car repair centers is Kentucky:

Meineke Car Care – Dixie Hwy.
5326 DIXIE HWY
Louisville, KY 40216
Call (844) 311-4548

Meineke Car Care – Preston Hwy.
7103 Preston Highway
Louisville, KY 40219
Call (844) 605-8457

Meineke Car Care – Bardstown Rd.
4170 Bardstown Road
Louisville, KY 40218
Call (844) 321-3541

Meineke Car Care – East. Broadway
701 East Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202
Call (855) 973-7820

Meineke Car Care – Outer Loop
6420 Outer Loop
Louisville, KY 40228
Call (844) 417-2336

Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
11514 Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
Call (844) 352-0216

Meineke Car Care – Dupont Rd.
1019 Dupont Road
Louisville, KY 40207
Call (502) 791-9526

Meineke Car Care – Plantside Dr.
10723 Plantside Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Call (502) 536-9765

Meineke Car Care – So. Dixie Blvd.
2197 South Dixie Blvd.
Radcliff, KY 40160
Call (866) 548-1474

Meineke Car Care – Shelbyville Rd.
3949 Shelbyville Rd
St. Matthews, KY 40207
Call (888) 633-4889

Meineke Car Care – N. Dixie Hwy.
1400 N. Dixie Hwy.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Call (877) 439-7844

Meineke Car Care – Midland Trail
2000 Midland Trail
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Call (844) 681-4659

Meineke Car Care – W. Hwy. 146
3717 KY-146
Buckner, KY 40010
Call (844) 353-6212

Meineke Car Care – Peachtree Rd.
100 Peachtree Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Call (859) 687-8290

Meineke Car Care – Arrowhead Ct.
101 Arrowhead Court
Frankfort, KY 40601
Call (833) 723-5010

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