1 bad tire, what would you do?
- Thread starter Rufus711
- Start date
what vehicle.. what tires. Tread depth remaining on tires (or a pic with penny in the tread if you are unsure)
The easiest answer would be to buy 1 used tire that is the same as the other 3 and nearly the same tread depth.
This answer could change depending on how crappy the tires are, what vehicle they are on etc.
without that information replies to your post would be "garbage in(lack of info) garbage out(answers not relevant)"
if its awd you might have to buy all 4
if the tires are barely worn michelins or another top rated tire.
the answer would be different than 4/32 remaining OEM tires. etc etc.
The easiest answer would be to buy 1 used tire that is the same as the other 3 and nearly the same tread depth.
This answer could change depending on how crappy the tires are, what vehicle they are on etc.
without that information replies to your post would be "garbage in(lack of info) garbage out(answers not relevant)"
if its awd you might have to buy all 4
if the tires are barely worn michelins or another top rated tire.
the answer would be different than 4/32 remaining OEM tires. etc etc.
If it’s a 2WD vehicle and the other tires have ample tread depth, replace the bad one with a brand/model you may want to buy when you replace the remaining tires. Put the new on on the non-driven axle to extend its life.
If it’s an AWD, you’d have to consult your manual about what’s acceptable re: tread depth.
If it’s an AWD, you’d have to consult your manual about what’s acceptable re: tread depth.
I've had this problem before and purchased 2. Then placed them up front.
In fact, I kind of have it again. So your thread is relevant to my needs.
I understand the wisdom is to use the new tires in the back, with the expectation that it prevents oversteer. However in the rain, the front tires do move water away from the rears at highway speeds. Overall, I've found that I can go faster before hydroplaning with fresh tires up front.
The suggestion of a used tire is also interesting. Might be difficult to achieve, but I'm not against it.
In fact, I kind of have it again. So your thread is relevant to my needs.
I understand the wisdom is to use the new tires in the back, with the expectation that it prevents oversteer. However in the rain, the front tires do move water away from the rears at highway speeds. Overall, I've found that I can go faster before hydroplaning with fresh tires up front.
The suggestion of a used tire is also interesting. Might be difficult to achieve, but I'm not against it.
You'll spend lots of time seeking a matching used tire with no guarantee of success. I'd give it all but impossible.
At 5/32 I would replace two. Save the good old one just in case of additional bad luck.
For a FWD or RWD, two new tires, install them on the rear axle.
For AWD, four new tires.
For AWD, four new tires.
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- Dec 4, 2021
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IMO just get one new, similar tire. You'll never notice any difference.
You will still be better off than most vehicles out there.
Edit: If you do want new tires, 5/32 is close to where I replace them anyway for the cold rain and snow.
You will still be better off than most vehicles out there.
Edit: If you do want new tires, 5/32 is close to where I replace them anyway for the cold rain and snow.
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Slime for now, then replace all four the next big sale like Labor Day 
I have had success finding used tires on Champ Tires. They are usually very reasonably priced. At 5/32nds I'd probably only be running those tires for a short time longer. Do you like the tires? If not, maybe this is a good time to take advantage of a rebate on a set of 4 new tires.
I would replace a pair, but keep the good one as a spare in case this happens again. Or maybe find a used tyre but time seems an issue here
If you plan to just replace 1 suggest look on eBay for a used one Buy exact tire brand model with same/similar tread left. Multiple sellers there with good reviews. That's if other tires are good still. Otherwise suggest just buy a new set or at minimum 2 new tires if 2 wheel drive or all 4 if 4 wheel drive.
