When putting snow tires on my car do i need 2 or 4?

Question

I have heard that you only need two tires if you have front wheel drive. Is this true?

Answer 1

Ah, that's so insane.  If you put snow tires on the drive wheels only of a FWD, you will get going quite nicely.  Everything will be good, and you will be happy until you hit the brakes.  Then the front will stop faster than the rear, and you will be in an uncontrollable, possibly deadly, skid.  If you want to put only 2 snow tires on a FWD, put them on the rear.  If you don't like that, buy 4 and live.

Ignore fire4511, he is living in the age of RWD cars, when you could, if you wanted, put 2 on the rear, which were the drive wheels.

As a matter of fact, any time you buy 2 new tires of any kind, including in the middle of summer, and keep 2 older tires, they need to go on the rear, to prevent those same skids in wet conditions.  No reputable tire dealer will put 2 new tires, or 2 snows, on the front wheel only of a FWD car.  You can always find a mechanic, who is not a tire expert, who will, of course, but when you are doing doughnuts in the middle of freeway traffic it is too late to realize you have made a mistake.

For the 2 that gave me thumbs down, do some research, it may save your lives.

Answer 2

Many people assume that the two drive wheels are most important and the other two tires sort of tag along.

This idea was valid twenty or more years ago when snow tires were different only in their tread design.

Today's winter tires have different compounds and designs that deliver from 25 to 50 percent more traction in snow and ice, and stay pliable in cold weather allowing for more control on dry roads.

Using just two on a vehicle creates a traction mismatch that can have serious handling consequences.

Using four winter tires ensures optimum traction and control for all vehicle types.

It is always recommended to use four winter tires, it's the cheapest insurance you can buy to protect yourself, your family and others.

Answer 3

Not true, in fact very dangerous to do so.

Answer 4

Every tire company will want you to buy 4 tires, but you will be fine with just two on the drive wheels!! You would only need 4 if you have 4 wheel or all wheel drive!