One Bad Tire: Do You Really Need to Replace All Four?

You find a nail.

Or a sidewall gets damaged.

Or one tire suddenly won't hold air.

Then comes the question nobody wants to ask:

“Am I about to have to buy FOUR tires because ONE tire went bad?”

The answer is:

Not necessarily.

But replacing one tire isn't always the best solution either.

Cars.com recently tackled this exact question and concluded that replacing only one tire is rarely ideal unless the other tires have very little wear and the replacement closely matches them.

Here's why.

Why Does Matching Tire Tread Matter?

A brand-new tire has deeper tread than a tire that's already traveled thousands of miles.

That means the tires can have slightly different overall diameters and traction characteristics.

Modern vehicles use wheel-speed information for systems including electronic stability control and anti-lock braking.

Cars.com notes that significant differences in tire circumference can affect those systems and, on some vehicles, create additional drivetrain concerns.

Can I Replace Just One Tire?

Potentially.

Replacing one tire may be reasonable when:

• The other three tires are relatively new
• They still have substantial tread
• The replacement is the same size
• Ideally, it is the same brand and model
• The vehicle manufacturer permits it

Have the remaining tires measured before deciding.

What If Two Tires Are Worn?

Replacing a pair may make more sense.

And here's something many drivers don't know:

If you're replacing only two tires, tire experts generally recommend installing the newer tires on the rear axle.

Why?

Better rear traction helps maintain vehicle stability, particularly on wet roads. Cars.com specifically notes the importance of rear traction in reducing the chance of losing directional stability during hydroplaning.

That's especially relevant here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

What If My Vehicle Has All-Wheel Drive?

This is where you need to be particularly careful.

AWD systems can be sensitive to differences in tire circumference.

Depending on the vehicle and difference in tread depth, replacing only one tire may not be recommended.

Don't guess.

Have all four tires measured and check the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle.

When Does Replacing All Four Make Sense?

Four tires may be the better choice when:

• All four are substantially worn
• The tires are old
• Wear is uneven across the vehicle
• You're experiencing poor wet-weather traction
• Your AWD system requires closely matched tire circumference
• You're already approaching replacement time on the other three

And right now there is another financial reason to compare the four-tire option.

Nissan's Current Buy 3, Get the 4th for $1 Tire Offer

Through October 31, 2026, Nissan is offering:

Buy 3 Eligible Tires, Get the 4th for $1

The offer applies to select eligible tires purchased from and installed by a participating Nissan dealer. Restrictions apply.

So if a technician tells you that your other tires are also approaching replacement, don't automatically pay to replace one tire before comparing the price of replacing the complete set under the current offer.

Does Nissan Sell Major Tire Brands?

Yes.

Nissan dealerships carry major tire brands selected for compatibility with Nissan vehicles.

The correct tire depends on your:

• Nissan model
• Model year
• Wheel size
• Trim
• Driving habits
• Performance requirements

Do Nissan Tires Include Road-Hazard Coverage?

Nissan currently advertises complimentary road-hazard coverage with qualifying new tire purchases through participating Nissan dealers. Program terms apply.

That's worth including when you're comparing the total value of tires—not just the advertised price printed beside them.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace only one tire?

Sometimes, particularly when the remaining tires have minimal wear and the new tire closely matches them.

Should I replace two tires instead?

If the other tire on the axle is substantially worn, replacing a pair may be preferable.

Do AWD vehicles need four matching tires?

AWD vehicles can be more sensitive to differences in tire circumference. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.

If I replace two tires, where should the new ones go?

Tire experts generally recommend placing the tires with greater tread on the rear axle for stability.

What's Nissan's tire deal right now?

Through October 31, Nissan is offering a fourth eligible tire for $1 with the purchase of three eligible tires from a participating Nissan dealer.

 

One Tire Went Bad? Let Us Check the Other Three Before You Spend Money.

Have Cannon Nissan Service measure all four tires and tell you what you actually need.

If it's time for a full set, ask about Nissan's current Buy 3 Eligible Tires, Get the 4th for $1 offer.