okay to replace only two tires?

[njitgrad]

Have about 50K on my Forteras and the front tires are showing signs they need replacement.

Being on a tight budget nowadays, I'm thinking of replacing just the two tires. Is this OK? I've always replaced all 4 tires on all my vehicles at the same time.

[whozleft]

I am no expert but it makes sense when you think about it.

Rotating our tires helps to allow them to wear evenly. In other words, they all need replacement about the same time. I was told once, by a gentleman that owned a tire store, that if you don't want to HAVE to replace all 4 tires at the same time you really don't need to rotate them. The fronts will wear quicker due to their function when making turns, etc.

Most tire dealers will want you to replace all 4 at once for financial reasons, (theirs not yours) but it is not necessary. That's the reason many dealers offer free rotations, etc. to get you to buy tires from them.

So the quick answer to your question according to this man. Yes, it's ok to just replace two tires at a time.

[hollaway24]

When you rotate the tires what do you do about your TPMS ? Do you have to re program them also??? Im down for only changing the tires that need it if im on a budget.

[N_Jay]

Rotating the tires makes them all last longer, since you are evening out the different wear each tire gets.
Fronts will wear the outer edge while the back will wear the center to inner edge.

Any wear from minor misalignment is also evened out.

There is no good treason NOT to rotate the tires.

[rocky]

Going back to the Op's question, while Honda will whine that replacing only two is wrong, I see no reason not to.

From an engineering point of view, there is naturally a difference in overall dimension front to rear due to different weight on each axle.

BTW, consider tirerack as a tire source with local mounting. Worked out much cheaper than buying from my local guy. Also, if you plan on keeping your Pilot more than say 50k miles (especially after doing the timing belt etc,) consider Michelin LTX MS2. Will last at least 70k rather than 50k for all other tires.

[krazykarguy]

Originally Posted by hollaway24

When you rotate the tires what do you do about your TPMS ? Do you have to re program them also??? Im down for only changing the tires that need it if im on a budget.

For the Honda Pilot, nothing. The TPMS system will figure it out and "learn" the new position of the sensors.

[NJGuy]

1. Yes, it is OK to replace tires in pairs (front or back). The owner's manual states:
"It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair."

2.

There is no good treason NOT to rotate the tires.

I agree here.

3. I replaced a pair of my tires once not due to wear, but because one tire was damaged. They all had a decent amount of tread remaining, so I kept the older two on the vehicle for a while until winter came. While I could have replaced all four at the time, I felt that I didn't want to waste two tires that were still fine.

4. Ideally for me, I would prefer to buy tires in sets of four and keep them on a scheduled rotation interval until they all wear out. When you replace them in pairs, you sometimes get a difference in traction between the front and rear of the vehicle. This is usually due to differences in tread depth and age of the rubber. This can affect vehicle dynamics and handling, especially in inclement weather or emergency situations.

[saylor]

would it matter if its 4wd.i know in our explorer we have to replace all 4.if it detects a difference it thinks its slipping and puts it in 4wd.i thought the honda would do the same since it to is auto 4wd.so im curious to know too

[N_Jay]

You can usually get away with about a 3% difference since tires always wear a bit different.

You can also run the older worn tires a few PSI above the newer tires.

[mikemcm]

just remember that the best tires go on the rear, this is to prevent over steer, the tire place will make you do this. so you might just want to swap your back for your fronts if the diff between front/back isn't too great. i remember one guy on the crv forum who wouldn't rotate but just buy two new tires put them on the back and move the backs to the front.