Can you replace only one tire?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Louisville, KY
2006 ML500
Can you replace only one tire?
I have 8k miles on my continental 4x4 contacts and one tire has a tiny hole in the sidewall. Is it really going to damage the drivetrain if I replace only that tire? Is 8k mile enough to reduce the over all diameter of the tire to cause damage with one new tire?
As you can guess I'm not thrilled to replace all four tires.
2006 ML500 w/Appearance pkg.
As you can guess I'm not thrilled to replace all four tires.
2006 ML500 w/Appearance pkg.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
Yes, it should be safe to replace only one tire provided you use the exact same tire as the others in terms of manufacturer, model, and size. Be careful to make sure to find the OEM replacement as some tire manufacturers make a specific model of tire for a vehicle manufacturer - sometimes denoted with the N0 or N1 mark.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: Kelowna, BC
'09 ML550
One word of caution: Depending on how you drive, your damaged tire could be quite worn down. That means that a new tire may have different grip qualities than the remaining original, and they will be on opposite sides of the vehicle. Rule of thumb is to replace tires on both sides if they are worn more than 50% and one needs replacing. Even though he obviously has an incentive to sell you two tires rather than one, I would ask my dealer's or tire supplier's opinion on this.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
With only 8000 miles on the vehicle thats about 15 to 25 % of tire wear and you should be fine replacing only one but with any more miles on it I would replace a pair.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 36
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15 C300 Sport SOLD!!! :)
Yes, it should be safe to replace only one tire provided you use the exact same tire as the others in terms of manufacturer, model, and size. Be careful to make sure to find the OEM replacement as some tire manufacturers make a specific model of tire for a vehicle manufacturer - sometimes denoted with the N0 or N1 mark.
