When It's Time to Change

A couple questions come up pretty often when folks need to change their tires.

One is, "Can I replace only two tires at a time?" We recommend that all four tires be replaced at the same time. However, if only two tires are replaced, the new ones should be put on the rear. The deeper tread on the new tires may provide better grip and water evacuation in wet or snowy driving conditions.

The tendency is try and hang for deals on tires before replacing all four, and it certainly can save you money. But if you really need to replace all four tires, find the top rated tires in your price range, and get them replaced. Saving a couple hundred bucks on tires but suffering a car wreck because of bald tires is obviously false economy.

Another is "How do I tell when it's time to replace my tires?" As tires age, they begin to wear, and the older the tire, the greater the chance it will need to be replaced.

For a thorough discussion of treadwear, see the 'About Tread Depth' page.

Car or truck tires provide safety for you and your family: traction, stopping distance, and maneuverability are all affected by the state of your tires. Additionally, all weather tires and snow tires perform differently and are made for specific driving conditions. They are not really interchangeable, although some drivers think they are. We'll be happy to explain the differences to you, and find you the best snow tires at the best prices for winter use.

Tire technology has advanced a great deal in the past 50 years, and tread life has been extended from 20,000 miles to 60,000 miles and more. Your own experience will depend on where and how you drive, and how you maintain your tires. The best rated tires usually reflect the lifetime you can expect from your tires.

If your car’s tires show signs of abnormal or unequal wear, have a professional technician check them out for you. Excessive wear can indicate improper inflation pressure or possible alignment issues. See the 'Tire Care Saves You Money' page for more information.