My local tire shop says I MUST put 4 snow tires on my car, a front drive Acura RSX. I disagree. Why would I need 4 snow tires????
Michelin USA - Install Two New Tires on the Rear Axle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdSf0KJie_E
"If you have two tires with treadlife remaining, and two that are toast and need replacing, the better tires should be installed on the back of the car – across the rear axle."
https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/new-tires-front-or-back
"If you prefer to replace tires in pairs, and if they are the same size as the tires already on your vehicle, we recommend you install both new tires on the rear axle."
https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/learn/choosing-your-tires/replacing-only-two-tires
"your new tires should be installed on the rear of your vehicle."
https://www.tiresplus.com/tires/tire-buying-guide/tire-videos/tire-replacement-guide/
"When tires are replaced in pairs...the new tires should always be installed on the rear axle and the partially worn tires moved to the front."
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=52
Most tire places will tell you to put them in the rear. The back end is much lighter therefore it’s easier to lose traction and fishtail
Even with good all purpose on the back?
Yup. You'll be sliding into the sidewalk in no time
Simple, are you driving on all four tires or do you only drive on two of the tires.
You don't have to, but if you only put it on the front the car will fishtail. If you only put them on the back, you won't get any traction. And you want them all to brake properly right?
You should get 4. That's what most people do.
Scotty, Definitely enjoy your Channel.
I watched your comments about cars only needing 2 Snow Tires for the winter, this is definitely unsafe suggestion with modern Snow Tires. Mixing and matching all season and modern Snow Tires is a disaster in the making. On a front wheel drive car with only Snow Tires on the front you will be creating a dangerous over steering situation. You should have 4 Snow Tires on a your car at all times. Example: https://youtu.be/8cBSWEhimdA
All the Best, TOMMY B
I totally agree. Look how the car completely spins out of control when the snow tires are on the front.
Scotty's view is too simplistic for this dynamic phenomenon.
Look, problem is this: … the rear wheels - in a front wheel drive car - don’t provide you with any meaningful feedback. And if you overcook in the snow or rain, the rear wont give you any warning until it’s simply too late. So, by the time you find out you lost all traction in the rear, you’re be in a spin with no hope of saving your arse.
In addition, you also have to consider traction control: … if you have ABS, you most likely have some kind of traction-control, … that automatically applies individual wheel braking on acceleration when the wheel speed sensors detect slippage, and you do want to have tires of equal friction coefficient. Yes?
Best,
F.S.
When I began driving we only had rear wheel drive cars and we used TWO snow tires on the rear. No problems. I told the guy at the tire shop that if he wouldn't sell me two for the front then I would go without - and I did! I understand the theory, I just don't agree. {black}:sweaty:
Why would you apply your RWD experience to a FWD car? That makes absolutely no sense. Your Acura isn't RWD, so maybe you should trust people who have more experience with FWD cars.
Your front tires have close 1,000 lbs of engine, transmission, axle, and occupant holding them down to the road. They aren't going anywhere. The rear end has barely anything. If you don't have good tires on the back, then your rear end will be passing you by, and you'll be going sideways . You'll see ... or maybe you won't until it's too late.
Well, … you asked the question, “ Why would I need 4 snow tires????", we volunteers here provide answers. Agreements with our answers are strictly optional.
FS.
all you need to see is the first 25s. That will be you.
Hey Scotty, I have a FWD drive and a tight budget. Living in Colorado it can get crazy in winter, if I were to just get two front winter tires will it cause problems or be beneficial?
No it would be beneficial most of the pulling and steering is done with the front tires the back tires just rolled down the road
Awesome thank you!
If your car is AWD, replace all 4 tires, but for the FWD cars, just reolace the front ones.
I think the conflicting answers, answers your question, no.
There is no perfect answer of replacing front or back, you will have positives and negatives to both.
Keep in mind that if the tires are still half decent, you call sell the four old ones to offset the price of 4 new ones.
I'm pretty sure that spinning out and into oncoming traffic comes out on top as an overwhelming negative.