Winter Tyres

[am1w]

I thought we were discussing TRACTION not balance.

Keep to the point.

[Ben Lessani]

I thought we were discussing TRACTION not balance.

Keep to the point.

My point, the entire time, was to keep the car's grip, even and safe, nothing to do with front-end traction.

So that, if only 2 tyres are upgraded, then it should just be the rear two - as it won't effect the handling of the car, followed by the front two.

[am1w]

I thought we were discussing TRACTION not balance.
Keep to the point.

My point, the entire time, was to keep the car's grip, even and safe, nothing to do with front-end traction.
So that, if only 2 tyres are upgraded, then it should just be the rear two - as it won't effect the handling of the car, followed by the front two.

You are again confusing the issue. You are really talking about balance/handling and not an improvement in traction.

The point all along has been an improvement in traction for a FWD car.

[Ben Lessani]

I thought we were discussing TRACTION not balance.
Keep to the point.

My point, the entire time, was to keep the car's grip, even and safe, nothing to do with front-end traction.
So that, if only 2 tyres are upgraded, then it should just be the rear two - as it won't effect the handling of the car, followed by the front two.

You are again confusing the issue. You are really talking about balance/handling and not an improvement in traction.

The point all along has been an improvement in traction for a FWD car.

I'm not confusing anything - I think its your ignorance that has confusing you.

I originally got involved when someone asked ...

i've probably left this a bit late but after 2 days of 'moderate snow' i'm beginning to get a bit more worried about more and more. it's not been too bad in Greater Manchester but today i did have to dig out my driveway to park up. so is the consensus just getting a pair for the front sufficient?

No, you have to change the rears first, then the fronts.

I've been saying one statement the entire time. No, fitting a pair to the front wheels isn't sufficient, its unsafe and dangerous.

For safety, to keep the car balanced and retain its normal handing characteristics - you should always upgrade rear tyres first, followed by the front tyres.

But for winter tyres, you should change all 4. IF YOU INSIST on changing only 2, make it the rear set. In order to preserve the same handling characteristics that the car normally has.

Fitting front winters only, will upset the front/rear grip and make the car unsafe.

Always rears first, fronts last.

[am1w]

I am not being ignorant, you mule.

If I did put winter rubber on, I would do so for all four wheels. This is a given.

I am not talking about handling or safety issues either. You brought these into the equation.

My question is: Will fitting winter tyres to the front axle of a FWD car improve its traction?
Answer: Yes or No.

[Ben Lessani]

My question is: Will fitting winter tyres to the front axle of a FWD car improve its traction?
Answer: Yes or No.

It will improve front-end grip, yes. I've said this, time and time again. Any time anyone asks about front-end traction being better with front winters, I keep saying yes, I haven't disagreed with anyone on that point.

Whilst that might well be your question, but isn't what I am saying - which is what you are deliberately trying to ignore.

Again ...

I originally got involved when someone asked ...

i've probably left this a bit late but after 2 days of 'moderate snow' i'm beginning to get a bit more worried about more and more. it's not been too bad in Greater Manchester but today i did have to dig out my driveway to park up. so is the consensus just getting a pair for the front sufficient?

No, you have to change the rears first, then the fronts.

I've been saying one statement the entire time. No, fitting a pair to the front wheels isn't sufficient, its unsafe and dangerous.

For safety, to keep the car balanced and retain its normal handing characteristics - you should always upgrade rear tyres first, followed by the front tyres.

But for winter tyres, you should change all 4. IF YOU INSIST on changing only 2, make it the rear set. In order to preserve the same handling characteristics that the car normally has.

Fitting front winters only, will upset the front/rear grip and make the car unsafe.

Always rears first, fronts last.

I'm calling you ignorant, because I keep saying the same thing, and you keep arguing that I'm not?!

4 all season tyres - balanced and even - poor grip all round
2 rear winters - balanced and even - poor grip all round - same handling characteristics as a normal car.
2 front winters - unbalanced, risk of oversteer, good grip up front, poor grip at rear
4 winters - balanced and even - good grip all round

[am1w]

I am not deliberately trying to ignore the issues handling/balance/safety you have raised.

So we have agreed that fitting winter tyres to the front axle will improve the traction for a FWD car.

Good.

[am1w]

What I also agree with you is that all four wheels must have winter tyres to maintain good  traction/balance/handling/safety.

Whether it is just on the front or on the rear is neither here nor there. Not good practice.

[Ben Lessani]

So we have agreed that fitting winter tyres to the front axle will improve the traction for a FWD car.

Front-end traction, at the cost of provoking oversteer, yes.

Whether it is just on the front or on the rear is neither here nor there. Not good practice.

It does make a difference though (which is what I'm repeatedly trying to say!).

Winters only at the rear won't change anything about the cars safety/handling.
Winters only at the front will upset the handling/grip of the car.

Its basic tyres 101 to always fit better tyres at the rear.

[Phil1980]