Changing Tires on AWD

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Oct 20, 2020 | 05:57 AM

Neophyte2b

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Changing Tires on AWD

Do I need to change all four tires at once on an AWD, or can I just change two?

Oct 20, 2020 | 07:53 AM

NJLEXES

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That's a little too vague of a question. How many miles on the tires and what condition/tread depth do they all have.

Oct 20, 2020 | 08:54 AM

Neophyte2b

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Quote:

Originally Posted by NJLEXES

That's a little too vague of a question. How many miles on the tires and what condition/tread depth do they all have.

I went in for a state inspection, and they said that the front tire tread was too thin. The rear tires were okay.

Oct 20, 2020 | 09:04 AM

praetor

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May as well do all 4. You're not saving much and are risking performance issues, braking and handling issues.

Oct 20, 2020 | 09:30 AM

Neophyte2b

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On a related note, do I need to do an alignment when I change the tires?

Oct 20, 2020 | 09:35 AM

CAKETOWN

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Neophyte2b

On a related note, do I need to do an alignment when I change the tires?

Usually not required if your wear has been even, if there was any unusual wear definitely get an alignment.

Oct 20, 2020 | 09:37 AM

Neophyte2b

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Quote:

Originally Posted by CAKETOWN

Usually not required if your wear has been even, if there was any unusual wear definitely get an alignment.

So, if I change all four, but my previous tires don't have uneven wear, then no need for an alignment? Just confirming. Thanks.

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Oct 20, 2020 | 10:28 AM

Final4GS

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From: CA

Are your tires stretched and car lowered?

Inner tire wear generally caused by negative toe and camber.

If true, then you need an alignment.

Oct 20, 2020 | 10:40 AM

#10

Neophyte2b

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Final4GS

Are your tires stretched and car lowered?

Inner tire wear generally caused by negative toe and camber.

If true, then you need an alignment.

No, the car is stock. Thanks for the help. An alignment, then, plus four tires. Yeesh, this inspection is turning out to be way more expensive than I had anticipated.

Just curious - my car drives straight as an arrow. Isn't that a sign of a good alignment?

Oct 20, 2020 | 10:45 AM

#11

charley95

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How often do you rotate tires?

Oct 20, 2020 | 10:49 AM

#12

Neophyte2b

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Quote:

Originally Posted by charley95

How often do you rotate tires?

Does the AWD have a staggered setup? If so, I've been told that I shouldn't rotate the tires.

Oct 20, 2020 | 10:51 AM

#13

praetor

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Neophyte2b

Does the AWD have a staggered setup? If so, I've been told that I shouldn't rotate the tires.

Staggered is only with RWD models. AWD have the same tires front and back.

Rotate them once a year for max life. I'm often too lazy to do that though

Oct 20, 2020 | 10:53 AM

#14

charley95

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From: South Carolina

No, you were told wrong. RWD's are staggered and AWD's all match. You'll need to rotate every 5-10k miles to even out tread wear.

Oct 20, 2020 | 11:21 AM

#15

Final4GS

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From: CA

RWD F Sport are staggered 235 front 265 rear while AWD F Sport, AWD, RWD Base are 235 all around.

Some people size up to 245 to get more options for tires as there aren't as many tires for 235 than there are for 245.

Good rule of thumb, rotate tires when you do an oil change

I can admit I was lazy in doing this on my '02 GS430 that was on coilovers but I guess I shouldn't be lazy on my '16 GS350 Lux that's stock height (for now).