Replacing just one or two tires on an AWD vehicle could cause unnecessary wear and tear on your drivetrain, or confuse the traction control system to think that you are frequently losing traction. A new tire is larger in diameter than one of the same brand, type and size that's part way through its tread life.
What happens if you don't replace all 4 tires on AWD?
Mismatched tires on AWD may lead to the damage of several components. The tires on the front axle in AWD often wear off faster than the rear tires. You should not drive with mismatched tires because the worn out tires rotate faster than the good ones, which may cause serious mechanical damage.
Can I replace just two tires on a Subaru Outback?
If the two good tires are not worn down more than 1.3/32 of an inch from new, you can start by replacing only the two damaged ones.Sep 9, 2011
Do you really have to replace all 4 tires on AWD?
For all-wheel-drive (AWD) cars, it is recommended that all four tires be replaced at the same time. This is because in these cars, the computer and differential work simultaneously to supply torque to each wheel, ensuring maximum control.
Do all tires have to match on AWD?
Drivers with an AWD vehicle should refer to their owner's manual for specific guidance on tire replacement. It's always best to use four tires from the same brand—and the same model—on a vehicle. Unless specified by the automaker, tires should be the same size and have the same speed rating and load index.Oct 8, 2021
Is it OK to replace just 2 tires?
Mixing tire brands or even different models may cause handling instability. And when replacing only two, we recommend installing the new tires in the rear and placing the (older but still decent) rear tires in the front. This may help prevent a spinout or oversteer condition on slick roads.