Wondering if you really need to replace both front tyres at once? Replacing tyres in pairs ensures even wear, balanced handling, and maximum safety on the road. In this guide, we explain when to change your tyres, why pairing matters, and how to rotate or replace them correctly for the best performance.
Here at Tyres.co.uk, we believe we offer the best selection of replacement tyres for any vehicle, paired with advice to help you identify the best make and model for you.
Having said that, how often should tyres be replaced – and is there a timeline of tyre replacement that you should be following?
How Often Should You Replace Tyres?
Tyres need to be replaced when they become worn, and before the tyre tread reaches the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm.
You may find that your tyres need to be replaced more often if you have seasonal-specific tyres – that is, summer tyres in summer, and winter tyres during the colder months. This will depend on where you live and the local driving conditions.
The Importance of Replacing Tyres in Pairs
Tyres should always, where possible, be replaced in pairs.
This is mainly because it ensures an even wear and tear on the tyres, keeping the vehicle balanced and ensuring that you have even handling when on the road.
If you drive with one older and more worn tyre, and one new tyre, the traction on the road surface is different, their heights are slightly different, and the handling varies.
Replacing tyres in pairs is, therefore, not only better for performance on the road and driving stability, but also safety for you and your passengers.
How to Replace Your Tyres
Most drivers replace the rear tyres with new ones and move the existing rear tyres forward to the front axle of the car.
This is because the rear tyres are integral for grip when braking and steering and so need to have the benefit of new tread and high traction. Of course, another benefit of this is the knowledge that used rear tyres can be suitable for the front of the vehicle – essentially halving the amount of money you need to spend on new tyres, by recycling at least two of them with a shift in placement.
NOTE: Some more modern vehicles require all four tyres to be changed at the same time, in order to keep the vehicle balanced and to keep the sophisticated system running smoothly. When in doubt, refer to the manufacturer handbook or you can seek the advice of tyre specialists such as our team at Tyres.co.uk.
