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About Barry Smith
Expertise
I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800" number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of my work experience.

Experience
Member SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization) SCCA Regional Competiton License holder Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.

You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Parts > Tires > one new tire on an awd vehicle

Tires - one new tire on an awd vehicle

Expert: Barry Smith - 11/6/2009

Question
Dear Barry,
I recently got a flat and replaced one tire on my 06 Nissan Murano AWD. The other tires have approx. 6/32 (using the penny method) of tread left. Will this damage the transmission? Do I need at least one more new tire for balance?
Thanks for your time and advice.

Answer
Mark,

This is a question you need to ask Nissan. They should know what the tolerances are.

Because there are so many types of AWD systems and because each of these systems has a different level of sensitivity to tire diameter, tire folks - like myself - only work with worst case scenarios and develop simple easy to remember rules based on those scenarios.

I know that some Subaru's require tires to be within 3/32nds of WEAR of each other, in order to prevent their AWD system from failing. This means that not only is replacing a single tire out of the question, but merely lack of rotation is enough to cause damage.

The above has now become the basis of the rule: On AWD vehicle, tires should be replaced in sets of 4.

Does that apply in your case? I don't know, but Nissan does!

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