Is it really necessary to run 4 radial snow tires on a front wheel drive car o No: I tried to order 2 snow tires for the wifes 2000 Impala today from The Tire Rack. They called me and told me that I had to order 4 I told them that my wife works at the school, so if the roads get real bad she can just stay home because the school will be closed anyway. They said it didn't matter, either order 4 or none. So I told them I guess I'll order NONE then. I personally don't think that you need snows all around on these cars. Am I right o No: I know they are better that way, but am not convinced that you MUST run it that way. Dan :3gears:
Back in my years at Discount Tire in MI... they "Recommended" (read: sales wanted) that you run them all the way around... But the drive tires are all that's necessary(on a FWD car... Rwd & I'd do all 4)... As long as the rear tires are "Good". Try some local shops.... Discount would match Tire rack prices in MI... Check around your area. Which tires were you looking at???
We run 4 snow tires on both my wife's Odyssey & my F150. Truck really doesn't need it as it's a 4X4. Front drives tend to be front heavy. The rears will step out & try to be the front during braking on slippery road surfaces. We found a world of difference since using all 4 on an Accord about 20 years ago & have always done this since. We have them mounted on a spare set of rims for easy seasonal change over. Highly recommend Blizzaks for any car, they're all we use, no studs required.
Yes... Forgot to mention the "Blizzaks".... the best tire I've ever drivin on in Ice or snow. Of course... Haven't needed snow tires in 5yrs... but I'm not complaining... :Brow:
I also heard that it is wise to get 4 tires because there is such an increase in traction that it could be sliding around in the rear alot! MY buddy told me this from previous experience. I just put 4 snow tires on my Subaru WRX and i am telling you it is one wicked car to drive with all that added traction even on the dry road. I am waiting to test them out as soon as we get the white stuff. :3gears:
fronts I ran snows on the front of my Front wheel drives for years - the Blizzaks and that type of tire do require all 4 - but a regular winter tire that you can get at any local tire dealer does not. You will get some added handling traction by running all 4, but certainly not a must.
Not a must, but I can see how it would help. It sounds like that guy just wanted to sell 4. In the past I've driven through our nasty Ohio winters on bald tires in a RWD car. Not that I'd recommend it, but driving on snow is an art - even with snow tires.
I have driven on Blizzaks for 10 years now. I can tell you, from my experience anyways, to get 4 if the budget allows. The rear end will slide around if you do not. The difference in snow with good snow tires is night and day!
I don't know what he winter is like, But I just cruise with all seasons. The winters aren't horrible (in my opinion) and I've never had any problems. I hate front wheel Drive, Give me rear wheel any day. On a side note I'd NEVER buy anything from the place that told you that you had to by 4 or none! What the hell is that?
We put two on the front of our 2001 Impala last winter - worked fine. Bought the tires from Sam's Club - Pacemark (made by Goodyear?). Never heard a thing about buying four.
as far as i know , there is no law that requires u to install 4 radial snows if u want two snow tires for the drive axles . however, if u live in a snowbelt, then it would be wise to have snowtires all around simply for better traction all around.
