Do I need to replace both rear tyres on my car at the same time?
I bought a second-hand Range Rover Velar where three of the tyres have 7mm of tread left but the offside rear tyre is down to 3mm. The garage says this one ideally needs replacing but there is no problem with tracking or suspicion of uneven wear. Can I replace that one tyre with a brand-new one, or should I replace both rear tyres so they have identical levels of tread?
Asked on 8 December 2025 by Alan Priest
Answered by
David Ross
If the three good tyres have 7mm of tread then a new tyre would likely have between 7mm and 8mm of tread, so the difference between them would likely be very small. Typically it is recommended that tyres for four-wheel-drive vehicles are replaced in pairs on the same axle and that all four tyres are within a small tolerance of wear to avoid complications with the drive system - you could replace the worn tyre only and ensure you regularly rotate your tyres to ensure even wear.
From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.
Tyre News And AdviceSimilar questions
When should I change tyres on my car? Is there a maximum age they can be?
My front driver's side tyre on my Toyota RAV4 has a slow puncture and I'm wondering how important is it to brand match, tread match etc. tyres when you replace a tyre? Should I move the two rear original...
I'm looking for a four-wheel-drive car similar to the Toyota Yaris Cross - what are the best options for a car of similar size?
Related models
Wonderfully plush and modern interior, latest touchscreen system is a vast improvement, as comfortable as you'd expect from a Range Rover.
Elsewhere on 
