Originally Posted by
markjenn
Unless badly worn, this really isn't necessary. And if the others were badly worn, then you were going to be replacing them shortly anyway, so you just spent the same money slightly earlier.
In this situation, don't forget Ebay, Craigslist, and make-specific forums. Twice I've been able to easily find used tires exactly the same size/brand as the one that was damaged for about 1/3 the cost of a new tire. Enthusiasts are always changing out the original tires on a car when they buy higher-performance rubber and/or new wheels.
- Mark
Depending on what AWD system you have, it can be critical to ensure all tires are the same and worn evenly. Some systems don't mind some difference, but others can lead to major component failure and thousands of dollars of damage. I know some folks to whom this happened. This is one reason I certainly could use AWD in the Buffalo NY area, but always have stayed away from it. Certainly on bad days, the AWD gives you more control (though not stopping power), and seeing that I ONLY drive my car to work when the weather is so bad that I don't think my Studded Snow tires on my bike a good enough... the extra control would be helpful.
I am glad to head your car behaved nicely, some of the SUV's tend to not do so great when they loose a tire because of their added hight, but a lot of the car/station wagon based AWD cars are much more stable, even with catastrofic tire failure.
Happy riding,
André