Change both tyres on axle?

[olly]

Tyres on my AWD are the same make and model - continental eco contact and all worn evenly to about 3.5mm
One is damaged beyond repair.
I'm told I need to replace both on the same axle in order that the radius is the same and doesn't damage the transmission.
Is this true please? What are the risks?
Thanks

[Lincolnite]

My view is that at 3.5mm the “good” tyre is virtually worn out and that it really isn’t worth taking the risk. What miles have they done, they are the same as I have and am interested in what I could expect.

[wimorrison]

What you suggest was true many years ago on older Haldex systems but doesn’t apply now - though I would use the opportunity to get decent new tyres on both wheels as your worn one doesn’t have any real life left in it.

[olly]

Originally Posted by Lincolnite

My view is that at 3.5mm the “good” tyre is virtually worn out and that it really isn’t worth taking the risk. What miles have they done, they are the same as I have and am interested in what I could expect.

I have a feeling these are the tyres that have been on there since new - so possibly 42k but I don't know for sure.

I can tell you the wheel was very heavily corroded onto the hub.

[olly]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

What you suggest was true many years ago on older Haldex systems but doesn’t apply now - though I would use the opportunity to get decent new tyres on both wheels as your worn one doesn’t have any real life left in it.

Yup - will go for two new ones and keep the one I take off in case I need to replace one of the other two before they wear down to 2ish mm when I'd normally replace them

ok...so do I put the new tyres on the front or back?

[wimorrison]

You always put the tyres with the best grip on the rear - controlling a skid at the front is relatively simple, a rear end slide (unless deliberate) is a much more dangerous occurrence.

[Whyman]

On the back if they are significantly better than the other two.

This is the advice being given by tyre manufactures because a rear breakaway is much harder to correct compared to the front tyres understeering.

[Crockers]

At 3.5 mm those tyres are practically shot. In the wet they are carp so do yourself a favour and change them all. I can never get my head round why people run tyres down to 2mm just because thats about where the wear bars are.

Winter tyres are no longer effective at 4mm.

You'd be shocked at how much extra water a new tyre can disperse over a 3.5 mm one.

I appreciate its a cost binning your tyres before they're illegal but surely your family's safety is worth it.

[olly]

Originally Posted by Crockers

You'd be shocked at how much extra water a new tyre can disperse over a 3.5 mm one.

I've not looked at all the research of course but a quick browse around shows breaking doesn't really start to increase much till they're under 3mm.

[ronkt04]

Originally Posted by olly

I have a feeling these are the tyres that have been on there since new - so possibly 42k but I don't know for sure.

I can tell you the wheel was very heavily corroded onto the hub.

If I got 42k from a set of tyres, I would be chuffed.