Can I just replace 2 tires?

[Alladin]

I guess I got a bad alignment and noticed that the outsides of my front tires are almost gone. Being that I got layed off a few months ago I would only like to replace 2 tires for now. I have read different things on this subject and want to find any facts if possible.

If I can replace only 2, then can I just put on 245/40's on the rear till I can buy 2 more? And move the current ones up front of course.

 

[coyfish]

Its not a good idea. I would just rotate them until you can buy 4.

 

[i58858543]

not a good idea, and if they aren't the same size its a very bad idea. I think the tires have to be w/in 2-3tenths of an inch in diameter for the awd.

 

[Rez]

Nope. All have to be within same % diameter and width--no staggered sizes

That's probably not what you want to hear at this point, but the drive system is designed for exactly that. Anything else, and you will have major issues.

 

[bluwheelbeauty]

Yeah having 2 different sizes will eat your AWD apart. If you buy 2 new ones of the same size, your fine.

 

[MShreve]

Mazda dealership told me that the tires need to be within 3/32nd's of an inch difference or the AWD will start fighting itself.

 

[AWDRACER6]

Promise you from my personal experience, u have to buy all 4. I wasnt told that buy the first company that installed just 2 for me. My car drove like s*** and my AWD light went crazy. I took it to mazda and they found nothing wrong....so hopefully thats the case...(this was after replacing all 4 wheels)

 

[sephiroth]

Mazda dealership told me that the tires need to be within 3/32nd's of an inch difference or the AWD will start fighting itself.

pretty much what this guy said. If they're bad just rotate.