When your car lacks traction, it’s time to get new tires. Some drivers may be tempted to replace only a balding tire to save money. However, this choice may have dangerous consequences. Here’s some insight into why you shouldn’t mix tires or replace them one at a time. 

3 Reasons Not to Mix Tires

Handling

If you purchase one new tire, it will have a better tread—and possibly a different pattern—than the others. Differences in grip can affect the way a car handles, potentially pulling the steering wheel to that side and causing uneven wear on other tires as they try to keep up. 

Tread Wear

Even tread wear prolongs the life of a tire. When you install a set of four new tires at the same time, your tires will wear more evenly. Also, rotating tires every six months or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles makes even wear possible.

When a mechanic rotates your tires, they’ll switch locations to promote consistent wear and tear. For instance, if you turn left to get into a parking space every day, that action will affect the tread in a specific way. Tire rotation spreads the impact across four tires, increasing the life span of all. 

Size

At some point, most drivers have to use a spare after an unexpected flat. If your spare is a donut, not a full-size tire, your car will handle differently. When one tire is smaller than the others, a vehicle will have less traction on that corner. By purchasing four new tires instead of one, all will be the same size and have the same tread pattern so you don’t have to worry about odd handling and poor traction.

How to Purchase Tires

Purchasing new tires in a set of four guarantees that all will be identical. However, if that’s not an option, buy two new tires to replace both the worn one and its pair across the axle.

A trusted auto mechanic can advise you about placement when you purchase new tires in pairs. It’s usually best to put a new pair of tires in back for safer handling even if the worn tire was in front.

Vehicle owners in Greater Cincinnati looking for new tires should contact Anderson Automotive Repair. Along with running free check engine light diagnostics, their certified mechanics perform brake and AC repairs in addition to aligning, rotating, and balancing tires. Call (513) 474-4200 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for information about the trusted tire brands they’ll put on your car, truck, or SUV.