Tires are complex, high-tech vehicle parts designed for safety and performance. Following old or wrong advice related to tire use and maintenance can shorten tire life, waste fuel, and even raise the risk of accidents. The most common mistakes drivers make with tire use include: replacing only two tires, relying on all-season tires in extreme winter conditions, pumping too high or too low pressure, skipping tire rotations while driving on worn tires for too long. This article explains why these common mistakes are dangerous and what alternative actions can help drivers stay safe and get the most from their tires.
Replacing Only Two Tires
You should replace all four tires at the same time, especially if your car is all-wheel drive (AWD) or often uses four-wheel drive (4WD). Different tread depths of mismatching tires affect tire circumference, which can strain drivetrains and disrupt handling. On AWD vehicles, even a 2/32" tread difference (about 1.6 mm) can harm the center differential.
Tires with different grip levels cause long braking and unpredictable cornering. A mismatched set increases the likelihood of hydroplaning or spinning out on slippery surfaces.
You can replace just two tires if your vehicle is front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD). However, the new tires must always go on the rear axle, not the front. On FWD or RWD vehicles, putting new tires on the front increases the risk of fishtailing in wet or icy conditions.
How Drivetrain Type Affects Tire Replacement
AWD
AWD systems generally require all four tires to match. Even a ¼ inch difference in circumference can cause binding, leading to drivetrain damage that is expensive to manage. Subaru and other AWD brands clearly recommend replacing all tires.
4WD (part-time)
If your truck or SUV has a part-time 4WD system, replacing only two tires is less harmful when driving in 2WD mode because only one axle is powered. However, as soon as you engage 4WD High or Low, mismatched tire sizes can lead to serious issues, such as driveline binding, transfer case stress, overheating, and/or expensive mechanical failures.
The best practice is to replace all four tires at the same time if you frequently use 4WD, especially on-road. Replacing two tires may be acceptable if you rarely engage 4WD, but it should only be a temporary solution. Ford (F-150, Bronco) recommends replacing tires as a complete set to keep the 4WD system working correctly.
FWD
You can replace two tires, but the new ones must be on the rear axle. Tire Rack testing shows that cars with new tires on the back stop shorter and maintain better control, up to 15% safer in wet conditions.
RWD
You can replace two tires, but put new tires on the rear axle to reduce oversteer and loss of traction when accelerating.
Relying on All-Season Tires in Winter
All-season tires work reasonably well in mild climates, but lose effectiveness in cold weather (below 45°F / 7°C) because the rubber hardens, resulting in poorer grip and less handling. Tests by Consumer Reports found that on snow, winter tires stop a car going 30 mph in 62 feet, while all-seasons can take up to 91 feet.
Winter tires have thousands of biting sipes and softer materials that stay flexible in freezing temperatures. All-seasons lack these features, which makes them unsuitable for harsh winter conditions.
The safest practice is to switch to winter-specific tires once temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C). Due to their silica-rich materials, winter tires remain flexible in freezing weather, ensuring safer handling on snow and ice.
Pumping Incorrect Tire Pressure
Underinflation increases rolling resistance by up to 20%, according to Bridgestone, and causes excessive sidewall flexing, which can lead to premature wear on the outer tire sides and blowouts. On the other hand, overinflation decreases traction by reducing the contact patch with the road surface, creates a rougher ride, and speeds up center tread wear. Overinflating tires can also increase stopping distance by 5 to 10% on wet roads.
The significant risks and reduced performance from incorrect tire pressure outweigh any short-term benefits. The risks associated with over- and underinflation in tires emphasize the need to keep tire pressure at the levels specified by the manufacturer.
The best practice is to use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found on the driver’s door sticker), not the maximum pressure allowed (which you can find on the tire sidewall!). Also, keep in mind that tire pressure naturally drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature in winter, so checking and adjusting more often in cold conditions is highly recommended.
Skipping Tire Rotations
Skipping tire rotation, or putting it off, causes uneven wear, lowers tire life, and affects safety directly. Delaying rotations results in 2.5 times faster wear of the front tires due to steering and braking force.
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, not rotating tires can shorten their lifespan by 20 to 25%, meaning that a set rated at 60,000 miles can lose 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Consumer Reports notes that the average U.S. driver delays tire rotations by over 8,000 miles, often waiting until they see visible wear; by then, the damage is irreversible.
The best practice is to rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or sooner if your vehicle manufacturer specifies. Always combine rotation with a balance and alignment check if you find abnormal tire wear.
Bottom Line
Your tires are designed with safety systems and serve the best whenever you use and properly maintain them, as recommended by manufacturers. Following poor advice, like underinflating for traction, counting on all-seasons in deep winter, skipping rotations, or replacing only two tires when it’s essential to replace all four, can cost you money, performance, and safety.
By avoiding these four mistakes, you can:
- Extend tire life
- Save up to 3% on fuel with the correct pressure
- Shorten stopping distances
- Reduce your risk of tire-related accidents
Why Trust NeoTires?
At NeoTires, we bring together more than ten years of industry experience, testing, expert reviews, and manufacturer data. We follow guidelines from NHTSA, AAA, and top tire manufacturers to provide you with reliable information.
Thousands of U.S. drivers already trust us with their tire needs, and you can too. Explore our tire catalog if it’s high time to replace your tires. Search for your next tires by size, vehicle, brand, or seasonality. Get expert help on the best tires for your vehicle and driving conditions. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
