do i have to replace all four tires? had a flat...

[toast018]

I had a flat the other night... didn't get pulled over in time and destroyed the tire... I have heard of people having problems with TOD if they didn't have 4 of the same tires. Can I get away with buying just two tires? They may be a different brand but same size except for wear whichb is at 40% tread left... or do I haved to have all four identical tires... thanks guys

[Bob Barker]

I'd say with only 40% tread left then you wouldn't want 1 or even 2 new tires. There is going to be a large difference in outer diameter. Unless you can buy 2 new tires that are the same diameter as 2 of the worn tires you have now. That might work.

[tom4bren]

I'm not a big fan of buying used tires but in this case, it may be your best bet (if you're not ready to buy 4 new tires). You should be able to find one locally that is the same size/brand/wear as what you already have on your rig.

[toast018]

I was hoping I could get away with two... dang it. O well I got the credit application faxed in waiting to hear back from em...

[toast018]

I'm not a big fan of buying used tires but in this case, it may be your best bet (if you're not ready to buy 4 new tires). You should be able to find one locally that is the same size/brand/wear as what you already have on your rig.

I live in a county of fewer than 12,000 people... lol... The tire shops I have called dont even have a used 18" tire...

Part of living the the country... lol...

[toast018]

just to make 100% sure on this before i get $700 of rubber put on this afternoon. Getting some Michelin's on sale.

[tom4bren]

The potential for damage caused from running different tires is too great. Make sure to get the extended warrantee on those Michelins.

[circmand]

I have operated my VX with the spare on with used tires bought from a member from tread depth 4mm to 8mm and never had an issue. Best best 2 new tires on back as bigger tires are recommended on the back 2 most equal sized tires on front and the rest as spares.

[ZEUS]

I would replace all four because you wouldn't be able to rotate the tires so your new two would not have the tread life they could have had.

[Bob Barker]

Thinking more about it, probably would be best to get all 4 new at the same time. Imagine a year later you are ready to replace the other 2 that aren't being replaced now, same problem with tread wear not being equal between all 4. This will continue to happen until you get all 4 new at the same time.

[circmand]

I would replace all four because you wouldn't be able to rotate the tires so your new two would not have the tread life they could have had.

When the current used ones need replaced the new ones go on the back and 2 bought now on the front

[ZEUS]

your logic is lame.

[circmand]

your logic is lame.

Not offended just trying to do Steve Martin in text.

But arguement holds water even recomended on the Michelin web site complete with a 21/2 minute video. But hey what does Michelin know about tires? Am I right?

Where do I install new tires if I only buy two?
If you’re replacing only two tires, be sure to have the new tires installed on your vehicle’s rear axle. Here’s why:

•New tires will provide better wet grip than your half-worn tires.
•When new tires are installed on the rear, it helps reduce the potential for your vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane in wet conditions.
Mounting Two Tires (2 1/2-minute video)

[etlsport]

Not offended just trying to do Steve Martin in text.

But arguement holds water even recomended on the Michelin web site complete with a 21/2 minute video. But hey what does Michelin know about tires? Am I right?

Where do I install new tires if I only buy two?
If you’re replacing only two tires, be sure to have the new tires installed on your vehicle’s rear axle. Here’s why:

•New tires will provide better wet grip than your half-worn tires.
•When new tires are installed on the rear, it helps reduce the potential for your vehicle to fishtail or hydroplane in wet conditions.
Mounting Two Tires (2 1/2-minute video)

if you talk to michelin directly they will always advocate 4 tires. I watched that video as part of a training seminar with michelin/bf goodrich, goodyear, bridgestone and falken

before showing the video i believe their words were "if you MUST put two tires on" but they never recommend only two

the problem is as stated before, your best traction does need to be on the rear of the vehicle exactly as shown in that video. but you also need to rotate your tires.

just yesterday i had a customer come in with a $1200 set of LT tires where two had worn out after 12k miles.. i called up goodyear, the first thing they asked was for history of tire rotations. after verifying the tires had been rotated, air pressure was correct and the alignment had been periodically checked, goodyear gave him an $700 credit towards new tires. in my experience if you dont have documented rotations, you can kiss any sort of mileage warranties goodbye

also the video shows the lesser of two evils. think about it, the way the rear tires give out on the "wrong" car... do you really want those tires on the front of your car? you may not spin, but you still have greatly reduced steering control and stopping ability.

[vt_maverick]

in my experience if you dont have documented rotations, you can kiss any sort of mileage warranties goodbye

Really good to know, guess I better start asking the shop to do them. Problem is I change my own oil, air filter, etc. so I'm only in there for 15K services. I imagine that's not frequent enough for manufacturers' whose tires are designed to go 45K miles or less.