Tyres - do they all need replacing ?

cottonhead

I have just noticed that my front near side tyre is looking really low on tread. I mean illegal low and needs replacing asap. I assumed I could just replace that tyre but someone told me no - you have to replace both of the front ones or the car will be unbalanced. Is this true ? I dont have much money at the moment.

Notmyrealname

In an ideal world you'd replace tyres in pairs however unless you're in motorsports caning round corners at silly speeds, Average Joe wouldn't be able to tell the difference if you just replaced one.

jase1

How bad is the other one?

cottonhead

The other tyres are fine and don't need replacing. Its just the one thats bad.

Joe_Horner

Replace the one.

jase1

Yes -- and I'd further suggest that if the other three are all the same make, replace it with another one the same and rotate the others. That way your concerns about balance don't really apply.

MX5huggy

What car is it?

I know some trick 4 wheel drive systems don't like diffrent tyres.

deanos

cant you put the spare on and use that tyre as a spare in meantime

cottonhead

Its a vauxhall astra so I dont think 1 tyre will cost the earth but I cant really afford 2 in one go. Dont do that much driving. I just want it to be safe really.

Paradigm

Just stick the one on... unless you're Jenson Button you won't notice!

cottonhead

Thanks guys - looks like I can get 1 not too expensive.