My buddy needs a tire changed on his WRX... according to Discount Tire, its a LAW in IL that you have to replace all 4 tires on an AWD vehicle.

Is this true?

 

I think Discount Tire is trying to pull a fast one, I don't think there is any law, but I remember reading some where that on a AWD car the tires on the same axle must be replaced or it could damage the diff. - again I am not a 100% sure on this.

 

OK anyone else?

 

No law at all on this. Oddly enough, I replaced just one tire when I blew an OEM on my 250 AWD and bought from Discount Tire. Let them show you the IVC (Illinois Vehicle Code) number and code for this.

 

yea, its best to change 4 tires at the same time, but I would do 2 if it where me and I owned the car. If its a lease, I did this on the S4, replace the one tire and call it a day the slight difference in tread patter is not going to damage the AWD on his car

 

I heard the same bs at Tires Plus with our Volvo. Long story short, the manager of that store showed up and told us the counter sales person was an idiot and meant to say "recommended", not "required by law". He just charged us for the tire, no labor :-)

 

Wow like the people are not hurting enough already, now you have to buy 4 tires instead of one Whats next oh you need to change your oil??? Well the motor is BAD !!!!

 

It's not a law or even a rule. That would mean that any AWD that used the spare tire in Illinois would be in violation.

Total BS

I would replace only one unless the other tires are shot already. There is no better feeling then a brand new set of tires.......

 

Only true if the main driveline and/or the axles are connected via a limited slip differential.

 

Moral of the story is that yes, you can replace a single tire and the tire companies are trying to make $$$. Surprise surprise.

 

I remember in 2006 I bought 3 blizzak tires from Matt. Tirerack would not sell me 1 tire alone so I can complete my set until I called them and told them why I am only buying one.... Pretty rediculous.

 

I have worked at places that have a rule, that they wont sell you just one tire on a awd its a liability for them