Changing Tires on 4WD vehicle
by Fred
(Oregon)
RC 4WD model
I have a Mercury Mountaineer 4WD. If I change one front tire is it necessary to change the other?
By the way, do you make a habit of checking your tires, at least monthly? If not,Tire Chek will remind you.
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Editorial Comment: In general terms it doesn't really matter what make of 4WD vehicle you have, you do need to be concerned with the potential difference in size between tires if you are replacing only one.
If you put a brand new tire on one wheel and the rest on the tires are badly worn -- or at least there is enough wear that there is 1/2" or more difference in the outside diameter comparing the old tire to the new one, you could have a problem with the traction especially when operating in the 4 wheel mode.
Some 4WD manufacturers even warn in their driver's manuals that placing tires of different wear amounts could cause serious mechanical damage to the vehicle.
So, in short, if there's a considerable difference in wear between the two tires, you'd be wise to replace them both.
TG