New Rears, or just replace the one tire

[bl4ck_wng]

I have a question regarding a tire replacement and the overall lifespan of these TPC spec PS4S summer tires.

I noticed a huge screw in the shoulder of my rear passenger tire (TPC PS4S) back when I swapped to my winter set. It is 100% non-repairable due to location of the screw. this particular set is the OEM set from factory (purchased Sep 2022) and they have roughly 15-20k miles on them, with zero track time, no burnouts/abuse, etc. I really took it easy with mostly highway use, so there is a good amount of meat still on these tires.

Since it has been nearly three years, should I just replace all the tires, or is replacing just the one acceptable? I fear the other three corners will be at a significantly different point in their lifespan than the new one (3 years old vs new on passenger rear corner) -- despite having solid tread remaining. Then there is the question about the rear diff heating up due to miniscule differences in the OD of the tire from wear

Is the correct move to just order a new set of 4 and start fresh? Maybe just 2 new rears?? Would not mind to save the cash, but I won't say no to all four if its the path of safety!!!

 

[Finally-a-V]

Here's what I was told. When I was out in CA back in October, I hit a sizeable rock while carving a mountain road. I never saw it and blew out BOTH left side tires. (story WAY too long to go into) After being towed to a very nice local Cadillac store, the tire tech asked me how many miles were on the car (and these guys are really tire guys. It's all they do at this dealer, and this store is HUGE). At the time, I had around 6900 miles on the car. He said it's OK to replace just one rear tire. Told me if I had closer to 10,000 or more miles, I should do both REAR tires because the difference in tread depth would be a problem with the differential. So now I'm faced with the thought of replacing the right rear only to try to "match up" the mileage. Guess I should do a four wheel alignment too.

In your case, I'd do both rears. If you have 15-20K, I think that's the way to go. Hold off on the fronts, unless they're thin.

 

[nordique14]

If you do get both tires replaced, ask them to give you back the good one. Nice to have an extra tire if you get another flat a year or two from now.

 

[bl4ck_wng]

Here's what I was told. When I was out in CA back in October, I hit a sizeable rock while carving a mountain road. I never saw it and blew out BOTH left side tires. (story WAY too long to go into) After being towed to a very nice local Cadillac store, the tire tech asked me how many miles were on the car (and these guys are really tire guys. It's all they do at this dealer, and this store is HUGE). At the time, I had around 6900 miles on the car. He said it's OK to replace just one rear tire. Told me if I had closer to 10,000 or more miles, I should do both REAR tires because the difference in tread depth would be a problem with the differential. So now I'm faced with the thought of replacing the right rear only to try to "match up" the mileage. Guess I should do a four wheel alignment too.

In your case, I'd do both rears. If you have 15-20K, I think that's the way to go. Hold off on the fronts, unless they're thin.

Blowing out both tires on the same side at speed does not sound like a fun experience, I am glad you were alright!


Thank you for your input, this is really solid information. I had a feeling I was on the right track with the rear diff being sensitive


New rears ordered

 

[bl4ck_wng]

If you do get both tires replaced, ask them to give you back the good one. Nice to have an extra tire if you get another flat a year or two from now.

This is awesome advice right here

 

[Melon]

If you do get both tires replaced, ask them to give you back the good one. Nice to have an extra tire if you get another flat a year or two from now.

I like to use old tires as air fresheners in my house.

Man, I miss being single sometimes.

 

[Dirkbg]

If you just bought the rears, you'll need to do lots of burnouts to equalize the tread between front and rear.

 

[jbawden]

I only do one tire if there is under a couple thousand miles, otherwise its a 2fer. Unless you plan to keep this pattern of replacement going or plan to sell the car soon, no matter how you look at it at some point you're going to be disposing of one tire that isn't worn out. Life experience as taught me keeping the old (good) tire guarantees no future damage, but you'll be tripping on it in the garage for years before you just toss it out in frustration

 

[USMC1911]

I would do both rears myself.

 

[nordique14]

I like to use old tires as air fresheners in my house.

Man, I miss being single sometimes.

Put a piece of plywood on top and you have an ottoman in addition to an air freshener.

EDIT: I like this idea so much I might start selling them. I will market them as ‘automans’.