Here is what I posted in that locked thread, quote:
Having a drastic difference in grip between the front and rear axle is highly unadvisable. Avoid this situation if you can at all help it.
When it comes to fitting two new tyres (whether it be summer, all-season, winter or snow tyres) to whichever axle, let it be clear there is no such thing as "the better" option, it is more about the "least worst" option.
The German Automobile Club (ADAC) conducted a test, by fitting gripper tyres on the FRONT axle, and ended up with the following results:
Pros
- Reduced aquaplaning when cornering.
- Significant reduction in braking distances when slippery.
- Slight reduction in braking distances when dry.
Cons
- Significant likelihood of snap oversteer (on cars without ESP).
- Likelihood of snap oversteer on cars with ESP is reduced, but if the limits of the ESP are breached (they cannot bend the laws of physics) then the ensuing break in traction tends to be more violent and uncontrollable.
The conclusion reached by ADAC is to fit gripper tyres on the rear axle. Hence, the recommendation of tyre manufacturers and motoring organisations stems from their goal to prevent any situation which could lead to snap oversteer in slippery conditions, which in their opinion overrides the benefits from fitting gripper tyres on the front axle. Essentially, their priority is ensuring and maintaining stability on the road.
My opinion - you're pretty much f***ed either way.
However, different drivers have different priorities, and if you're intelligent and mature enough to look all the facts, and take into account local conditions, then you can probably make your own decision accordingly.
End quote
I think it's a dishonest test... they had to disable the ABS in order for the two-only on a FWD car to look like a bad idea. I do not feel like trying this at home, not without a disused airfield handy, so could anyone tell me if I'm right about this?
Nope, as mac7 said, that's just the laws of physics at work without electronic hinderance. I believe ABS alone wouldn't have made a significant difference, it only prevents the wheels from locking (and there are plenty of cars on the road without ESP ya'know) but you can at least choose what to hit/avoid. ESP working in conjuction with ABS is what you need to prevent understeer or oversteer.
... deliberately designed to scare the punters into buying the two extra tyres...
Nope, fitting only two winter tyres is a huge compromise whichever axle they're on, and the bloke who sold you two tyres seriously needs his head checked.
... this is the way my car is set up at present.
Mate, you've already taken the plunge and committed yourself to fitting winter tyres (which is a decision in itself) so do it right the first time - just buy another pair.
Oh, and don't go back to the garage that sold you the pair, take your business elsewhere!
But is it dangerous? Well that's up to you to decide.
As he says, you need to decide what you need from your car. You can use the list of pros/cons I've provided to help make your own informed decision.
But the overriding message is clear - do not fit only two winter tyres (pretty much everyone in the locked thread was at least in agreement with that).
