replace just 1 tire on AWD?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: LI
'10 C300 Sport
replace just 1 tire on AWD?
'10 C300 AWD w/ ~13k miles has a bubble in the left front tire sidewall and it looks like it's getting worse. Tread life all around is about 7/32" remaining. I can get a replacement of the exact model tire still. Can I just swap out 1 tire? I'm reading articles that AWD I should do all 4, but if it's just a "couple thousand" miles on them, I may be able to get away with it. What do you guys think?
Should we do at least both fronts maybe? If so, I'm thinking of switching to better Conti's instead of the current Conti's for the upgrade - then would the 2 sets of different models matter? The other factor is that they are all 4 years old now.
Someone advised me about tire shaving if I were to do just 1, but I'm not sure that's our best option considering age.
Should we do at least both fronts maybe? If so, I'm thinking of switching to better Conti's instead of the current Conti's for the upgrade - then would the 2 sets of different models matter? The other factor is that they are all 4 years old now.
Someone advised me about tire shaving if I were to do just 1, but I'm not sure that's our best option considering age.
Last edited by rh71; Jul 25, 2014 at 02:07 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
You can do 1 tire in a pinch...however the OCD side of me will always try to match the sides together. If you only get 2, make sure you put the newer tires on the rear. And yes, I would look at the silver lining and see this as an opportunity to at least upgrade 2 tires to a better set of rubber.
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 613
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From: NYC
2014 C300
You can replace a single tire but beware that you are putting added stress on the transfer case that's used in the AWD system. If you can, find a place that shaves tires. Tire Rack will shave down the new tire down to the depth of tread that your remaining tires has, this prevents damage to the transfer case.
Also don't drive with a bubble in your tire, you risk blowing out your tire on the road or at worst on the highway which will then damage your wheel and who knows what else, maybe even send you into a ditch or worse.
Also get rid of those OEM Contis, they are well known to bubble easily, do some googling. I suggest going with tires that have a stiffer sidewall and can take the abuse of rough roads. Try Michelin or Good Years instead.
Also don't drive with a bubble in your tire, you risk blowing out your tire on the road or at worst on the highway which will then damage your wheel and who knows what else, maybe even send you into a ditch or worse.
Also get rid of those OEM Contis, they are well known to bubble easily, do some googling. I suggest going with tires that have a stiffer sidewall and can take the abuse of rough roads. Try Michelin or Good Years instead.
