Belle Tire Car Care Tips:

4WD Tire Replacement

Let It Snow!

Four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles are everywhere in Michigan and Ohio. From SUVs to trucks and even cars, we rely on them to get us safely where we’re going in dirt, rain, snow and icy conditions.

Replace All Four Tires!

But few people know that tire care and replacement on four wheel or all wheel drive vehicles is different than on regular two wheel drive vehicles. On your two-wheel drive vehicle, it’s often okay to just replace two tires, instead of all four. But on four wheel or all wheel drive vehicles, it’s recommended you replace all four tires, even if all of them don’t seem to need it. Here’s why that’s important.

Closely Matched Tires Are Crucial On Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Unlike two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles rely on closely matched tires for the driveline to operate properly. They have additional differentials and viscous couplings that are designed to smoothly allow for split second differences in wheel speeds when you turn a corner or spin a tire due to road conditions.

The Slightest Difference Can Make A Huge Difference

Unlike 2-wheel drive vehicles, 4-wheel drive vehicles need all 4 tires to match to operate properly.

Don’t Put Stress On Your Driveline!

if your tires have become mismatched on different wheels due to uneven wear…

… in other words, the tires now have slightly different diameters… it can throw everything off.

Prevent Driveline Failure & Expensive Repairs

This is because different diameter tires roll a different number of times each mile and puts continuous strain on those differentials and viscous couplings I mentioned earlier… by forcing them to operate up to 100% of the time, instead of only when necessary, which could ultimately lead to driveline failure and expensive repairs.

Matched Tires Are Extremely Important

Compared to two wheel drive, your four wheel or all wheel drive vehicle is much more complicated and matched tires are extremely important. That means making sure you don’t mix tire brands or tread patterns and that your tires are in good shape and properly inflated.

Search By Year & Make Of Vehicle, Or Brand Of Tires

You can easily avoid expensive problems by simply checking your tires often, and replacing all four when any or all of them start showing signs of wear.

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Belle Tire!