Can You Buy Just One Tire [TESTED]

For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, the rules are even stricter. AWD systems are designed to deliver specific amounts of torque to each wheel based on precise rotation speeds. A single new tire with a larger circumference can trick the system into thinking a wheel is slipping, causing the drivetrain to constantly engage. Over time, this creates excessive heat and friction, potentially leading to thousands of dollars in damage to the center differential or transfer case. In many AWD models, manufacturers recommend that all four tires have matching tread depths, meaning one flat tire could technically necessitate a full set of four.

Technically, tire retailers are happy to sell a single unit. This is common when a relatively new tire suffers a non-repairable puncture or sidewall damage. If your other three tires are nearly new—typically with less than 2/32" to 4/32" of tread wear—replacing just the damaged one is a perfectly safe and logical decision. can you buy just one tire

Should You Always Replace Car Tires in Pairs? - Consumer Reports For All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles, the rules are