You don't always need four new tyres. You can usually replace a single damaged tyre if the others still have plenty of tread. The key is to keep grip balanced, so a new tyre is best matched to its partner on the same axle, and all-wheel-drive cars are a special case that often need all four. Here's how to decide.
When one tyre is fine
If one tyre is damaged beyond repair but the other three have plenty of tread and are in good condition, replacing just the one is usually fine and the most economical choice. There's no rule that says you must replace all four because one failed. The main thing is that the new tyre is a sensible match for the others, see below.
When to do a pair
It's good practice to keep both tyres on an axle matched, so if the partner tyre is also worn or noticeably different, replacing the pair keeps grip balanced left-to-right. When you fit just two, the new pair is generally best on the rear axle for stability, see replacing tyres in pairs for why. This is about safe, predictable handling, especially in the wet.
All-wheel-drive is different
All-wheel-drive and many four-wheel-drive cars are the exception. Mismatched tyre diameters (which differ with tread depth) can strain the drivetrain, so many makers require all four tyres replaced together, or kept within a small tread difference. If you have an AWD car, check the handbook before replacing just one, as getting this wrong can be an expensive mistake.
Matching tread and type
Whatever you replace, match the size and ratings, and ideally the same or a similar tyre, at least across the axle. Mixing very different tyres, or a summer and a winter tyre, on the same axle unbalances grip. If money is tight, a sensible single replacement that matches well beats stretching to a cheap mismatched set, see budget vs premium.
We'll advise honestly
We'll tell you honestly whether one, two or four tyres make sense for your car, including AWD, and fit them at home or work across the UK. Book a fit.
