Over the past few weeks TyreReviews has received a lot of questions asking whether it's safe to fit just 2 winter tyres on either the front, or rear axle.
Hopefully this video will allow you to decide for yourself.
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Updated
To all of you who considers to put on only 2 winter tires. DON`T!!
As a Norwegian with 18 winter seasons behind me so far, I do not even think of doing such a thing! In Norway we also have tires with spikes. But then it has to be on all 4 wheels.
I live by the west coast of Norway, where the temp is ranging from -10 Celsius to +5 during the winter. We also use a lot of salt to keep the roads ice and snow free. This means that winter tires with spikes is not really needed in most parts of the country. But we have 2-5 days a year when you really wish you had spikes! Icy roads with water on top. Slippery as h...!
But most of the time tires without spikes is more than good enough. Some of you mensioned all year tires. I do not recomend these tires, because they have poor capabilities when the temperature is higher than -2 celsius and snow. And on ice they are shite! On asfalt they are ok. In the summer they may encrease your stopping length by several meters on wet roads because ogf the soft rubber. So in Norway we have both summer and winter tires.
personally I recommend the TOP 5 tires, such as Conti, GoodYear, Michelin. The day you really need it you will not regret spending a little extra cash.
If I were in Norway, I'd agree.
I live in the UK... when it snows we have a week or so of slightly slippery conditions (if at all) and work is usually closed anyway, many people get their cars within a mile or two of home before getting stuck and dump their cars, walk home and rescue their cars the next day.
With care most people cope with 'all season' tyres, so winter tyres at the back will stop it stepping out, but the expense for such a short season isn't really warranted, just drive below 20mph for the 2 or 3 trips you do on snow in a year.
Me? .. a full set of snow socks in the boot and new 'all season' tyres fitted in the Autumn.
This is exactly what I have been telling the Yorkshire Post's Motoring Correspondent. I have experience of driving in snow and ice in Norway, and intially took advice from Norwegian Drivers. The same good advice works in the UK. Always fit 4 winter tyres, you will be amazed at the difference this makes not only to traction but more importantly to general roadholding.
J Richard Kay
So whats the difference between two winter tyres and a pair of autosocks. So long as your driving sensibly, you shouldn't have a problem.
With autosocks or chains you are limited to 30mph. If you want to stick under 30mph all the time, go ahead and fit 2 winter tyres.
Although I wouldn't fit them to the back on a front wheel drive and wouldn't do the slalom with them fitted to the front
How about showing the car with 4 all-weather tyres for a proper comparison? :-|