Getting new tires can be a bit overwhelming at times. There are a lot of steps that go into getting a new set of wheels on your vehicle, and you’ll want to get the right set of tires so they last their entire lifespan. If you have an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, making sure that all of your new tires match is extremely important if you want to ensure that your car is performing at its best.
If you need all-wheel drive tire replacement, find out more about why it’s important to have matching AWD tires and review some best practices for car owners with AWD vehicles.
Why Having Matching AWD Tires Matters
While it can be tempting to select nonmatching AWD tires, they can impact your vehicle’s performance. Before you pick a new set of AWD tires, learn more about the top three reasons why having a matching set of AWD tires is essential to your vehicle’s performance:
- Uniform tire size ensures proper traction: Having the same-sized tires is necessary for maintaining consistent traction on all four of your wheels. Since nonmatching tires will wear at different rates, they can severely affect the AWD system in your car from distributing power efficiently. Besides impacting power distribution, their uneven wear and lack of consistent traction can compromise your car’s handling and performance.
- Tread depth uniformity enhances stability and traction: Tread depth uniformity, like tire size, also affects how your AWD system functions. A set of tires that don’t match and have different tread depths can compromise traction and reduce stability. Without proper stability and traction, your vehicle will be harder to control, resulting in an increased risk of accidents, particularly in bad weather conditions.
- Brand consistency reduces the risk of premature wear and tear: While you may find tires that are the same size and tread depth made by different companies, sticking to the same brand is the way to go. Tires from different brands often vary in their rubber compounds, tread patterns, and overall construction. These differences can make a big difference when it comes to wear and tear and overall performance. As a result, you’ll want to purchase matching AWD tires from the same brand.
Best Practices for AWD Vehicle Owners
If you own an AWD vehicle, you should get into the habit of practicing general maintenance to keep your car and its system functioning properly. Learn more about some AWD tire best practices below:
- Replace tires in sets of four: When it comes time to replace one or all of your AWD tires, it’s best to do it all at once, even if only one tire is experiencing issues. If your tires are at different stages in their lifespan, it could compromise your entire system, potentially putting you and your passengers at risk.
- Regular tire rotations: Consistent tire rotation can help your tires wear at an even pace. Rotation extends the life of tires and helps maintain the consistency of tread depth. Your vehicle’s manual should have instructions on how often you should rotate your tires, and it’s best to stick to that schedule.
- Check and adjust tire pressure: An easy fix you can do yourself is keeping your tires filled with air according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Most gas stations have tire pressure devices that allow you to check how much air is in your tires and fill them if necessary. Lower tire pressure can put you at risk for uneven wear and even flats, something nobody wants to deal with when they’re on the road.
- Invest in a full-sized spare: If you get a flat, you should have a full-sized spare in your car. Using a smaller-sized spare tire for an extended period of time can lead to complications with your vehicle, especially if it’s engaged in an AWD system.
Choose Chapel Hill Tire for All-Wheel Drive Replacement Services
If you need all-wheel drive replacement services in Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or the surrounding areas, Chapel Hill Tire can help. When you bring your vehicle for service, our certified mechanics can help you select matching AWD tires from a trusted brand. Our team can also perform regular tire inspection, rotation, and alignment services to maximize your AWD tires’ lifespans. Before you schedule an appointment, check out our promotions to find a great deal on our many services!
Learn more about our tire replacement services today. When you’re ready to bring your car in, please make an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the Triangle Area.