Used tires for four-wheel drive cars

All-wheel drive cars are designed to give confidence on the road regardless of the surface or weather conditions. They provide stability on wet asphalt, grip on slippery winter roads and reliability when driving off-road. However, all these advantages are possible only when the car is equipped with correctly selected tires. For all-wheel drive, they are of particular importance, because any difference between the wheels can negatively affect the transmission and handling.

In Ukraine, many drivers opt for used tires from Europe, because this is a way to get a quality set for adequate money. But for all-wheel drive cars, choosing used tires requires special care and knowledge.

Why tires are so important for AWD and 4x4

In all-wheel drive systems, torque is distributed to all four wheels. This means that they must rotate synchronously. If tires of different heights or with different degrees of wear are installed on the same axle, there is a difference in wheel diameter. Even a few millimeters of difference causes stress in the differentials and transfer case. In the short term, this can lead to the feeling that the car is “pulling” to the side, and in the long term, to expensive transmission repairs.

All-wheel drive is especially demanding on the uniformity of tires. It is not only about the size or brand, but also about the model and even the date of manufacture. If tires from different years of manufacture have a slightly different compound composition, this can also affect wear. Therefore, the best solution for owners of AWD or 4x4 cars is to buy a complete set, rather than individual tires.

What are the different needs of SUVs and crossovers

Crossovers and large SUVs are cars with a mass that is significantly greater than that of passenger cars. They create a much greater load on the wheels. If a regular sedan weighs one and a half tons, then a large SUV can weigh two and a half or even three tons. And this mass is distributed over tires that must withstand such weight without deformation. That is why for SUVs and crossovers you need to choose models with an increased load index. It is indicated on the sidewall of the tire and determines the maximum weight that one wheel can withstand.

Another feature of large all-wheel drive cars is the operating conditions. They often drive on dirt roads, gravel, sandy areas, and sometimes even in the mountains. Such conditions require stronger rubber with hard sidewalls to avoid punctures and cuts. Therefore, even when buying used tires, it is important to pay attention to models with a reinforced carcass and the LT (Light Truck) or C (Commercial) marking.

Why should you pay attention to used tires from Europe for all-wheel drive cars

Used European tires have several advantages over new budget models. First, European roads are much better than Ukrainian ones, so rubber wears out more slowly and evenly. Secondly, strict safety regulations apply in EU countries. Drivers are forced to change tires when the remaining tread height is 4 mm for winter tires and 3 mm for summer tires, although in fact they can still serve for several seasons. It is such sets that most often enter the Ukrainian market.

In addition, premium brands are popular in Europe – Michelin, Continental, Nokian, Bridgestone, Pirelli. Even after several years of use, their tires remain high-quality and reliable. While new cheap tires from unknown manufacturers can collapse in just one season, especially under the load of a heavy all-wheel drive car.

How to properly check a set of tires for all-wheel drive cars before buying

When buying used tires for all-wheel drive cars, you need to pay attention to several important points. First, all four tires must have the same tread depth. If the difference exceeds 1 mm, then at high speeds the all-wheel drive system will start to work with tension. Secondly, you need to make sure that there are no cracks on the sidewalls, hernias or traces of repairs. Such defects are especially dangerous for SUVs and off-road vehicles, which often operate in difficult conditions.

Even if the tread is in good condition, tires older than 6-7 years lose elasticity and become dangerous in the cold. Therefore, you should focus not only on the appearance, but also on the date of manufacture, which is indicated on the sidewall in the form of four digits. After installation, you need to check it on a stand to avoid vibrations. This will protect the suspension and make the ride more comfortable.

Winter and summer tire sets for all-wheel drive cars

For all-wheel drive vehicles, changing tires according to the seasons is especially mandatory. If you can still take a risk and put all-season tires on a passenger car, then this decision is dangerous for an SUV or crossover. In winter, such cars are heavier and take longer to brake, so they need real winter tires that retain their elasticity at low temperatures. In summer, using winter tires leads to overheating, loss of traction, andand rapid wear.

AWD car owners should remember one more rule: you only need to change tires in sets. Installing two new tires on one axle and two old tires on the other is only permissible for cars with front or rear wheel drive. In all-wheel drive systems, this leads to uneven wheel rotation and harms the transmission.

Evrokoleso - a store that knows the needs of all-wheel drive cars

If you are looking for quality used tires for your SUV or crossover, the Evrokoleso store will be a reliable assistant. We specialize in selling rubber from Europe, which undergoes thorough testing before arriving at the warehouse. Here you will find sets from leading brands that have retained their excellent characteristics and are ready to last for several more seasons, even on heavy vehicles.

Our experts will help you choose tires not only by size, but also by load index and the specifics of your car. Thanks to this, you will receive a set that will work properly and preserve the transmission resource. Here you can buy winter, summer or all-season tires for four-wheel drive cars at a price significantly lower than new counterparts.