Replace how many tires?

[Mark T.B. Carroll]

I own a 2004 WRX STi.

I put my winter wheels/tires on and noticed that one tire is a bit
damaged on the sidewall. The tires aren't much worn down yet, so I'm
wondering, if I need to replace it, how many to replace? Can I get away
with replacing just one tire, given that the AWD's pretty good, or must
I replace two to make the wear match perfectly somehow? (I'll replace
with exactly the size/model of the three undamaged tires.)

-- Mark

 

[Ragnar]

I own a 2004 WRX STi.

I put my winter wheels/tires on and noticed that one tire is a bit
damaged on the sidewall. The tires aren't much worn down yet, so I'm
wondering, if I need to replace it, how many to replace? Can I get away
with replacing just one tire, given that the AWD's pretty good, or must
I replace two to make the wear match perfectly somehow? (I'll replace
with exactly the size/model of the three undamaged tires.)

-- Mark

How many miles on the winter tires? If the circumference isn't more
than 1/4" different (read that on some tech board - you might want to
confirm it) you only need to replace the one tire.

If the circumference is too far off, you might be able to find a shop
that will "shave" the tire down to match. You only need to match the
tire on the other side of the car, not all three.

 

[Mark T.B. Carroll]

How many miles on the winter tires? If the circumference isn't more
than 1/4" different (read that on some tech board - you might want to
confirm it) you only need to replace the one tire.

If the circumference is too far off, you might be able to find a shop
that will "shave" the tire down to match. You only need to match the
tire on the other side of the car, not all three.

Ah, thanks, great.

-- Mark

 

[mulder]

I own a 2004 WRX STi.

I put my winter wheels/tires on and noticed that one tire is a bit
damaged on the sidewall. The tires aren't much worn down yet, so I'm
wondering, if I need to replace it, how many to replace? Can I get away
with replacing just one tire, given that the AWD's pretty good, or must
I replace two to make the wear match perfectly somehow? (I'll replace
with exactly the size/model of the three undamaged tires.)

-- Mark

Subaru specifies that all four tires must have a rolling circumference
within 1/4". That is circumference, NOT tread depth.
It's always best to replace them in sets of four, unless the remaining
tires are nearly new.

 

[JD]

Ah, thanks, great.

-- Mark

I replaced one on my STi with no ill effects. The remaining three ties had
about 75% tread left. Any more and it was recommended to replace two or
shave the new one

 

[Edward Hayes]

On my 215/60/16 tire a 1/4 inch circumference difference = between
2/32 & 3/32 inch difference in tread depth. This of course is for the
same size & model tire from the same manufacture.