The answer to that question depends on your car and the condition of your tires. Consult one of the Wichita tire specialists at Tracy’s Automotive for help.
You’ve been training for the upcoming Tri ICT Triathlon. You noticed this morning that you need a new bike tire. That made you think about your car and its tires. Sure enough, when you looked, at least one of your tires had less tread than the others and probably needs to be replaced. But, do you have to buy two or four tires just because one of them needs replacing?
That depends. It depends on your tires and your car. If more than one tire needs to be replaced, the answer is clear: All badly worn or damaged tires need to be replaced. But, if, like your car, only one tire needs to be replaced, is it okay to just buy one tire?
“The answer to this question really depends on your car,” according to auto.howstuffworks.com. “Most of the cars on the road today are front-wheel-drive, and a few are rear-wheel drive. These don’t necessarily need to have all four tires replaced at once. Usually two at a time is sufficient. But all-wheel-drive systems are becoming more popular, and they do require all four tires to be replaced at one time. So for AWD vehicles, the short answer is yes.”
Why the difference?
Auto.howstuffworks.com explains: “In vehicles with all-wheel-drive systems … the differential and the computer work together to send the right amount of torque to each wheel to minimize slippage and maximize control. If one of the tires is a different size than the others — because three tires are worn and one is brand new — the computer will take an incorrect reading and the differential will work too hard. Drive this way long enough and you’ll burn out the drivetrain.”
Auto.howstuffworks.com notes that if your tires are fairly new, with only a couple thousand miles on them, you might be able to replace only the damaged tire with no problem. But your best bet is to check with a trusted Wichita tire technician like those at Tracy’s Automotive.
Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.
Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.
Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.
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