winter tires just in front?

[awsmp5]

i live in md where snow isn't too prevalent in the winter (duh) but i hate not being able to get around when it does snow. \and because i'm a broke college student i'd be easier on me if i only bought 2 instead of 4 winter tires

so what do you think would this be pointless?

 

[Action Jackson]

You would have a car that is imbalanced. So when you make a turn, it will bite nicely, but the rear end will lose traction sooner than the fronts.

You could have an oversteer situation. It will probably be worse if you try to brake during a turn.

Maybe go for 4 cheaper snowtires instead of 2 more $$ ones?

 

[dmitrik4]

definitely don't run winter tires only on the front...they hae so much more traction in ice/snow that you'll end up making the car dangerous to drive. unless you're driving on summer tires, you should be able to get around in the winter in MD. i made it back from Ripken to NJ in the big blizzard we had two winters ago on mostly-worn OE Dunlops.

 

[Falango]

It's been proven that just putting 2 winter tires on your drive wheels is as bad as putting none on at all. Find 4 cheaper snow tires and do all 4 corners. If you do just the drive wheels, your non drive wheels will go crazy.

 

[geomatics_tech]

Its actually recommended to put the winter tires on the rear wheels rather than the front wheels if only two are being used. This improves the cars ability to track and keep the rear wheels behind the front wheels which is very important. Acceleration wont be as good but overall driving will be better, but if there is snow on the ground the re040's will be useless.

The best way to justify the cost is to consider how much a deductible is for a collision and how the car will never be the same after an accident.

 

[dmitrik4]

re040s? not on the P5.

 

[Action Jackson]

Its actually recommended to put the winter tires on the rear wheels rather than the front wheels if only two are being used. This improves the cars ability to track and keep the rear wheels behind the front wheels which is very important. Acceleration wont be as good but overall driving will be better, but if there is snow on the ground the re040's will be useless.

The best way to justify the cost is to consider how much a deductible is for a collision and how the car will never be the same after an accident.

Did this stem from that Michelin wet tire test putting the tires with better traction on the back?

 

[dmitrik4]

putting snows only on the back might be "safer" than on the front in that it will induce understeer rather than oversteer, but either way the end result is a dangerously unbalanced car.

 

[P5inder]

I agree with putting 4 winter tires on the car. Personal experience...


With my Neon, I used four, used winter tires with steel wheels that cost me around $240.00 CDN. (2 Canadian tire brand, 2 Pirelli 100 winter tires)Mismatched; yes, but they made a world of difference.

With the P5, I just bought a set of Hankook IceBear W300's and al I can say is WOW! The cheapest of the lot in the size I needed, but with great, and as I found, true reviews. These tires have an H speed rating ( although on snowy or wet roads, one would or should not be driving near the speed limit of the tire...(210 KPH) are VERY smooth and VERY quiet.

I paid $500.00 CDN for a set of 195/50/16's and the difference between these and my all-season tires is amazing. With the all seasons (90% thread left) I would slide everywhere, and stopping on each block was an adventure... with these, I can still press the pedal fairly hard without activating the ABS. Also, I was able to make it up quite a few steep hills covered in loose snow-over-ice.

$500 for a set of witner tires might sound (or be) expensive, but I know that the car handles better in the snow and ice. Additionally, this set of witner tires, will probably last me anywhere between three and/or four seasons, simultaneously elongating the lifespan of my all seasons...so I win..at everything...

Be safe, spend the money...even old, used winter tires all around will be better than your summer or all season tires.

 

[Purrfectangel]

I just put four new winter tires on my P5 at a lovely $134 and change a piece and they are Dunlop Graspec (which I hate) but none the less, and to buy and have balanced and install with four wheel alignment came to a lovely $747 cdn. Thank God they're gonna last a couple of winters. For this particular ride I recommend all four winter tires, just because of the way she handles and it's not usually good to mix winter with all season, different rubber quality/tread pattern etc. Plus if it's a daily driver it can cause more mischief than need be.

However I must say on my old car (99 escort wagon SE auto) I too did not have enough money last winter for four new tires, and it was hard to find used ones so I put two winter on the front (Goodyear Ultra Grip) very nice tire... because it was a fwd and two all seasons on the back...I didn't have any trouble with them and they are actually still on there now. The only difference I noticed was when you go to take a turn you have to be a little more causious with your speed and be light on the gas when accelerating from a stop. So many people including my mother have shall we say a "heavy foot" and with that set up it's not nice lol.

 

[geomatics_tech]

Did this stem from that Michelin wet tire test putting the tires with better traction on the back?

The story I watched was about snow tires, but yes it was Michelin

 

[sam1]

i got a set of hankook ipikes (studded & siped) for 325 and they have great snow/ice traction. very much worth the money.

 

[DaleK]

Definitely go with 4 snows. I have had personal experience with mismatched tires, and the main issue you will have is that less traction in the back = oversteer. Braking and corners will in some circumstances cause your back end to be in front, especially if it is at warmer temps in the snow with the Dunlops on the back. They don't do so well in slushy conditions.

4 cheap snows will be better than 2 fancy ones.

PS - P5 with snow tires = fun in the winter!!

 

[Crazee D]

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT NOT NOT RUN SNOWS ON THE FRONT ONLY!!!

The difference in tracking will DEFINITELY be much more dangerous. It will actually induce skidding and sliding.
ONLY rwd can get away with rear snows only and not be a danger.

 

[awsmp5]

thanks guys yeah i decided since i don't have money and i need new tires anyway to just buy 4 all seasons and take it real easy in the winter.
besides i don't live in canada so i don't really NEED snow tires.