What is the 3% rule for tires?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

The three percent rule for automotive tires is a replacement and maintenance guideline suggesting that when replacing tires on all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles, the rolling circumference or overall diameter of the new replacement tires should remain within three percent of the original equipment manufacturer specifications. Violating this threshold can cause severe mechanical strain on the vehicle's differential transfer case and transmission components.

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