Picked up an puncture yesterday which annoyingly was too bad to repair.

 

Credit to the indirect and direct TPMS systems as both picked up on the issue quickly:

- I normally run about 34 psi

- The indirect system suggested I check the tyre pressures when it hit ~28 psi

- The direct system showed it was the nsr and allowed me to monitor the loss via the maxidot, it warned of low pressure at ~26 psi

- It was down to ~20 psi within minutes of the original warning and visible deflating when I pulled over

 

It really surprised me at how quickly the tyre lost pressure, in the few minutes it took to fit the spare it was completely flat.

 

Anyway, I'm now left with 3 cross climates with a decent amount of tread (5-6mm) but in need a fourth to complete the set. The internet is alight with varying opinion regarding when it's 'safe' to replace a single tyre rather than both on an axle. It's on the rear if it makes much difference.

 

Are there any knowledgeable tyre fitters who can offer advice before I just replace a single side?

It is usual to decide dependent on the miles covered / wear of the used tyre staying on the car on the same axle.

If it is not that new it is sometimes an idea to keep as a spare, or remove from the rim and keep incase required in the future if lightning strikes twice.

Put a pair of new tyres on.

 

The decision is always yours.

All four have been on ~16 months and ~35k miles, they've been rotated front/rear and were wearing very equally across the entire width.

 

You're probably right that I should replace both rears and keep the good that comes off as a spare just in case.

 

Shouldn't really complain about that mileage from a set of tyres!

It is usual to decide dependent on the miles covered / wear of the used tyre staying on the car on the same axle.

If it is not that new it is sometimes an idea to keep as a spare, or remove from the rim and keep incase required in the future if lightning strikes twice.

Put a pair of new tyres on.

The decision is always yours.

A new pair and keep one old one as a spare is what I did with my winter tyres.

Best practice would say to fit a pair, but the differential wear shouldn't upset ABS, traction control, or pressure monitor.

Agree with replace as a pair and keep the 5mm tyre as a spare.

 

What are you losing anyway?  3mm wear left on the 5mm tyre assuming replaced at 2mm.  So the tyre is around half worn. So half the price of one tyre being "wasted" and you have it as a spare if it happens again. £40??  depending on the size of tyre.  Slightly annoying but not a biggie as car bills go.

 

Plus when the fronts wear out you'll only be needing a pair rather than a full set.

From experience here is what I've done

Bought the car

replaced all tyres

3 weeks later - pothole ruined O/S/F tyre

Replaced the one O/S/F tyre

Just had a blow out on N/S/F tyre as its wear was poor on the inside.

My new plan, replace both fronts

Keep O/S/F tyre for when another goes

They should wear the same this way :)

To sum it up.. for what it's worth, replace both

Not sure what size tyres you need, but I've just bought 2x 225/40/18 Uniroyal Rainsport 3's for £57 each from ears.co.uk

They are 205/55/16's, got two new cross climates on order so they should be fitted tomorrow morning.

 

Thanks everyone :)