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Really depends on tread depth and the difference between a new tire and the current ones but at the mileage you have I would strongly consider all 4 no matter what.
I will give you my recent experience. First off, and this is a no brainer that you know already, is that the replacement has to be the same brand and size dimensions. I know, duh! And you need to replace 2 and not just 1. The 2 new ones need to be on the same axle and the 2 "old" ones need to be on the same axle.
Had the same issue where my 2 front were worn down but the back 2 were good (had 4/32) (too good for me to throw away). Plan was to move those to the front and put 2 new ones on the back. Or buy 4 new ones. I did not want to buy 4 new ones and spend an extra $325. Did lots of research and asked the shop that I purchased my tires from (Discount Tires online), place that installed my tires and called the dealership. Got a few different answers.
Because of the Quattro this is what I was told.
- Installer said that their threshold for difference between the front and the back can only be 2/32. My back were 4/32 and the new ones were measuring anywhere between 7/32 or 8/32 depending on where you took the measurement on the new ones (outside treads or inside treads). Inside treads were measuring 8/32. So, my difference between the old and new were either 3/32 or 4/32.
- Company I got them from said to go no more than a difference of 4/32.
- Dealer said to go no more than 3/32 of a difference. I figured they are going with the smaller number to be on the safe side.
So, long story short, I kept my tires and will take my chances I guess. Some will say that's dumb because I am risking ruining my differentials/transaxle over $300.
Something that I heard you can do to play it safe if you are really worried if you go the route of just replacing 2 tires is to only drive short distances (ie. to work) and no long trips. I guess there is a chance that the long trips heat up the differentials too much and this difference in tire size becomes too much for it to handle.
Should I replace the set, or get away with just 2?
Since you already have 32K miles on these tires, I would HIGHLY recommend you get all 4 new tires. Your current tires are closer to EOL (end of life) than they are new, so you are better off spending a few dollars more and buying a new set of tires.
08-07-2018, 06:07 AM
Tire replacement question.
