Hi Scotty. Is it true that AWD vehicles need to have the same tread on each tire. so that they all have the same wear? Thanks!
I recently had a flat and the dealer told me I needed to get 4 new tires.
Yes, that’s right. You need to change all 4 tires.
The tires need to be pretty close to the same circumference or it will strain the “symmetrical all wheel drive system.” Definitely an annoyance for Subaru owners over the years but I don’t know that any other manufacturer’s AWD systems are any different. So yeah, if the tires have wear and one goes down you have to replace all 4 (though that is better than replacing your AWD hardware).
That's pretty much the story for any permanently-engaged all-wheel-drive system. Some tire shops offer a service where they can shave down a new tire to match what's on the car, but it is best if all four tires are not only the same make and model but come from the same manufacturing lot.
3/32 is supposed to be the rule of thumb.
If the old tires are over 3/32 worn, replace all 4.
But the new tire needs to be the exact same brand/type/size.
This is one of the reasons we usually don’t recommend getting AWD (unless of course you need it).
your owner's manual should explain it.
