It’s a fair question — and one that comes up more than you’d think. Maybe you hit a pothole and ruined a tire or picked up a nail near the sidewall. The other three tires seem fine. Do you really need to replace all four?
The short answer: It depends on your vehicle, your tires, and how much tread is left. Here’s how to decide what makes the most sense.
When You Can Replace Just One Tire
If the other tires are fairly new (usually with more than 70–75% of their tread remaining), and your car is not all-wheel drive, you may be able to replace just one. The new tire should be the same brand, model, and size, and ideally installed on the rear axle for better stability.
When You Should Replace Two Tires
If your tires have moderate wear, replacing two might be the smarter and safer option. In this case, replace the two on the same axle, and again, if you’re only replacing two, put the new ones on the rear. That helps reduce the risk of spinning out during hard braking or in wet conditions.
When All Four Should Be Replaced
For all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, tread depth needs to be nearly identical across all four tires to avoid drivetrain damage. If your tires are more than halfway worn or you drive an AWD vehicle, it’s usually best to replace all four.
Also consider full replacement if:
- The current tires are more than 4–5 years old
- Tread depth is under 4/32″
- The brand/model is discontinued
- You’ve had uneven wear or a prior alignment issue
Need Help Deciding?
At OK Tire Store, we’ll measure your tread depth and help you figure out whether you can replace one, two, or all four, without upselling you on what you don’t need.
We’ll always recommend the safest, most cost-effective option for your vehicle and your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to replace just one tire?
It can be, but only if the other tires have minimal wear and your vehicle isn’t AWD. Always match the size and type.
Why do AWD vehicles need matching tires?
AWD systems rely on equal tire rotation speeds. Mismatched tread depths can cause drivetrain stress or damage.
Should I put new tires on the front or rear?
If you’re replacing just one or two, they should go on the rear axle to reduce the risk of hydroplaning or loss of control.
What if I can’t find the same tire model?
If your tire is discontinued or out of stock, you may need to replace two (or all four) to keep tread consistent and safe.