Replace a single front tyre or both?

Arfa__

I have one front tyre that needs replacing as its approaching the legal limit and the MOT is due next month.

However the other front tyre still has a good deal of tread left. It was new last summer, due to the old one being torn on a curb (doh!) All tyres are currently Continental Premium Contact 2's (165/95/R15). The back wheels are still good for tread, so little to gain shuffling them about.

So, my question is, just how important is it to have matching tyres? Obviously they've had mismatched tread for a while, and seemingly not too bad. I'm aware there's no legal requirement, but is it worth the extra money matching the fronts tyres?

Should I buy a single Conti Premium Contact 2, or spend a bit more get a pair of new tyres for the front?

Oh and just to add, no I don't have a spare, got an LPG tank instead!

Angry_Fanboy

I personally wouldn't also replace a perfectly good tyre on the one side so that they matched.

If I need one tyre I buy one tyre, although I appreciate that others may feel differently.

Richard53

If the other tyre on that axle is good, I would just buy one to match. You're wasting a lot of tyre if you buy a new pair. I doubt if one having 5mm of tread and one 8 mm would make much difference. If the first was near the legal limit, worth getting a pair. Personally, I would buy the exact same tyre as the older one, though.

forgotmyname

If it was close to the limit i would get both done, Otherwise just the worn one.

Avoriaz

Arfa__ wrote: »

..Oh and just to add, no I don't have a spare, got an LPG tank instead!

How many miles can you drive with an LPG tank fitted to your wheel hub?

patman99

If you did buy a pair, the part-worn one would end-up being sold-on anyway. Just replace the worn-out one.

EdGasket

Assuming it is front-wheel drive, as most cars are, you should replace both. The reason is that you want the same rolling circumference on each wheel otherwise your differential will be continually compensating and wearing out. However if the other tyre is nearly new then this should be OK; you don't want a huge difference in tread depth though.
If the back tyres have equal tread, you could perhaps swap these to the front, buy one tyre for the rear and switch the other front one to the rear also.

Avoriaz

Be careful with swapping tyres front to rear.

It is considered by many to be advisable to have the tyres with more tread at the rear as this reduces the risk of dangerous oversteer.

But that is a contentious subject so do some research and make your own mind up.

Also consult your car handbook.

fivetide

If you do go to replace both - do you have a garage you could keep the part worn one in just in case you get a nail through a tyre or something?

At least you'll have a replacement lined up if you get a slow puncture.

londonTiger

I would get new matching tyres if it was a new car or a high performance car thatiI pushed to the limit. But for a low value cheap runabout the cos of a new mmatchingtyre outweigh the bbenefit

Stupid s3 kekeyboard just adds double characters

londonTiger

The unmatched wheels probably has difference. It's not just the thread but the build hives tyres different characteristics. Some sidewalls are curved some are straight so can make a big difference on circumference.

I think replacing with a new tyre that's the same make and model as the other wheel is sufficient. A few mm off here and there is acceptable.