Can You Get Just One Tire Replaced?

When you have a flat tire, you may wonder whether it’s okay to replace the damaged tire alone or if you should replace more than one at a time. Your tires stand between your car and the road, protecting you on every drive, so it’s natural to want to make wise decisions when replacing tires. At the same time, tires can be costly, so you don’t want to replace them unnecessarily. Here at Wyatt Johnson Hyundai, we’ve heard this question from customers before, and we’re here to help! In short, the right decision in this scenario depends on a variety of factors. Keep reading to learn more, and if you need a new tire (or tires), schedule a service appointment on our website today. 

Can You Replace Just One Tire? 

Under the right circumstances, it’s fine to replace one tire. Here are the variables to consider before moving forward with the replacement: 

Tread Consistency 

It’s important to have similar tread depth across all four tires. If the depth varies severely, your vehicle will shake as you drive, and you may even see mechanical issues develop. 

Check the tread depth of the three working tires. If the tread depth is below 4/32nds of an inch, it’s time for a replacement. You can insert a penny into the tread to test the depth; if can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low. 

What if the tread is deeper than 4/32nds of an inch? According to Consumer Reports, if you estimate that the rest of your tires are 30 percent worn or less, you’re fine to replace only one tire. If the rest of the tires are 40-50 percent worn, it’s best to replace the damaged tire and one other. This balances out the worn-to-new ratio and provides a safer driving experience.  

You can determine how worn your tires are based on when you bought them, but if you have any doubt, contact our service team. Our technicians will be happy to help advise you. 

Type of Tire 

Another important consideration is the type of tires you have. We don’t recommend mixing tire brands on the same vehicle, as this can put your vehicle’s alignment in jeopardy. Adding a different type of tire than the other three can affect cornering, deceleration, handling, and more. If you decide to replace one tire, make sure it’s the same brand as your remaining tires. 

Drivetrain 

Finally, consider your vehicle’s drivetrain when deciding whether to replace one tire. If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, your drivetrain shouldn’t affect your decision much; however, if you have an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, we recommend replacing all four tires at the same time.  

Your tires are taxed roughly the same amount in AWD vehicles, since power is sent to all four wheels rather than just two, so it’s important that your tires stay on the same replacement schedule. Diverse tread depths are dangerous for an AWD vehicle as they can cause all four wheels to lock up. 

Schedule a Service Appointment at Wyatt Johnson Hyundai 

We have high-quality Hyundai tires for sale near you, so if it’s time for replacement tires, you can count on us. Why choose our service department over another shop or a tire store? Our experts are specially trained to work on Hyundai models, so they have the knowledge needed to make the best recommendations for your vehicle. Before you even visit us, they already know the ins and out of your Hyundai, thanks to their years of experience. There’s no better team to take care of your vehicle! 

Ready to upgrade to a new car? Shop our new Hyundai inventory today! Every new Hyundai model comes with 24/7 Roadside Assistance for five years/unlimited miles. Upgrade to a stylish, reliable new ride and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered in case of a blowout, mechanical issues, or a dead battery. You can even call for assistance if you lock your keys in your car or run out of gas. Ask us for more information on this program when you visit us soon! 

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