Drivers will spend thousands on infotainment, tint, wheels, and bolt-on upgrades, yet they’ll try to save $40 on the one part of the car that is most important for their safety. A viral TikTok argues that this is more than bad budgeting; it’s a genuine safety risk hiding in plain sight. The clip from Andy’s Auto Advice (@andysautoadvice) sets up the tension and mystery behind what is described as an easily overlooked, low-priority purchase that affects car performance and rider safety. "Without good tires on your car, you're not gonna go very far. And please, do not cheap out on tires," Andy says in a clip that’s been viewed more than 116,000 times. "And when you do replace your tires, never replace only two tires. Replace all four tires. Replacing two tires at a time is not ensuring your safety one bit." Andy’s claim that tires outrank brakes, oil changes, and even transmission service in terms of life-or-death significance sounds dramatic. But experts say he isn’t wrong about the underlying point: no matter how advanced the safety tech in a modern vehicle is, everything still relies on four small patches of rubber touching the road. That idea is supported by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which estimates that 646 fatalities per year are caused by tire-related crashes. Safety experts note that worn tread, improper inflation, and old rubber significantly increase the risk of a loss of control, particularly in wet weather, where stopping distances can grow by more than 80% once tread depth drops below 2/32 of an inch. That’s why Andy stresses the importance of conducting research and selecting tires that are suited to the climate and driving style, rather than relying solely on price. He notes Tire Rack’s data-heavy comparison charts, which categorize tires by braking performance, hydroplaning resistance, winter traction, ride comfort, and noise. Independent evaluations from Tire Rack consistently show dramatic differences in wet braking between budget and mid-tier models, even when new. The Debate: Two Tires vs. Four One of the most controversial aspects of Andy’s advice is his insistence on replacing all four tires at once. For many drivers, that’s not financially realistic, and not always mechanically necessary. Automakers typically recommend replacing all four tires on all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles to maintain equal rolling circumference. Subaru, for example, warns that mismatched tire diameters can damage the center differential or AWD clutch pack. However, on front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive cars, replacing two tires at a time is a common practice, as long as the new tires are installed on the rear axle, regardless of whether the vehicle is FWD or RWD. Testing shows that putting new tires on the front, even on a FWD vehicle, can make oversteer more likely on wet pavement. During braking or avoidance maneuvers, older rear tires with less tread lose grip first, causing the vehicle to rotate unpredictably. The newer rubber goes on the rear, not because of power delivery, but because the rear of the car is far more challenging to stabilize once traction is lost. So, while Andy’s warning that tire imbalance can compromise safety is directionally correct, automotive testing reveals the nuance he overlooks: two tires can be acceptable, but only if they are installed in the correct location. The comments on Andy’s clip add texture to the issue. Some viewers said the video reminded them of moments where worn tires led to hydroplaning or near-miss crashes. Others noted that cheap tires often wear out sooner, become noisy, or lose wet road performance long before the tread technically reaches the legal minimum. A frequent theme was cost: several commenters admitted they’ve stretched their tires well past safe limits simply because money was tight. Another overlooked factor is age. Even with plenty of tread left, tires begin to chemically harden after six years due to heat cycling and exposure to oxygen. Automakers recommend replacing tires at the six-year mark regardless of appearance. That’s something few drivers check, and something many budget tires struggle with compared to mid-range or premium compounds. Practice Good Tire Maintenance Researching tires before buying may not feel as satisfying as selecting wheels or a new stereo, but it has an immediate impact on safety. Independent tests repeatedly show that high-quality all-season or summer tires can shorten stopping distances by dozens of feet in wet conditions. Those extra feet are often the difference between a near-miss and a serious crash. Simple habits matter, too. Checking inflation monthly, rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and getting periodic alignments all contribute to even wear and steady performance. The National Transportation Safety Board estimates that four in 10 drivers are rolling on at least one underinflated tire, and one in 10 is dangerously underinflated enough to increase the chance of a blowout on the highway. Andy’s broader point holds up: tires influence every input your car makes, from accelerating, braking, to turning, and staying planted in poor weather. Even the most advanced ABS or stability-control system can’t do anything if the tires don’t have grip. Andy’s TikTok is pretty simple: tires are the foundation of every safety system on the vehicle, and they’re one of the few components that can quickly turn a moment of inattention into a major crash if they’re neglected. For most drivers, the best safety upgrade they’ll ever buy doesn’t involve new tech, new screens, or new features. It’s four quality tires, properly inflated, rotated, and selected with the same seriousness that people give to performance parts. No upgrade matters more if the rubber that meets the road can’t hold its grip. Motor1 reached out to the creator via email and direct message. We’ll be sure to update this if he responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
