Do all four wheels of a front-wheel drive car need to be replaced with snow tires?
2 Answers
All four wheels of a front-wheel drive car need to be replaced with snow tires because if only the front wheels are equipped with snow tires, it will lead to insufficient grip on the rear wheels, making the car prone to oversteering or brake-induced skidding when driving on winter roads. Note that snow tires of the same specification, brand, structure, and tread pattern must be installed on the same axle. Snow tires are designed for icy and snowy weather. In appearance, they differ from regular or unidirectional tires. Snow tires have asymmetric directional tread patterns and more grooves, meaning the proportion of grooves on the tire surface is higher, which improves drainage. Snow tires have at least 1,000 fine grooves, whereas regular tires have about 200. In terms of material, snow tires are softer than regular tires, mainly because the tread uses special formulations, such as a silica-mixed rubber compound that can adhere more closely to smooth ice surfaces, generating greater friction than all-season tires. This significantly enhances the vehicle's handling and safety on slippery ice surfaces.
As a driver with years of experience, I've encountered many slippery snowy conditions, so I must emphasize that for front-wheel-drive cars, it's best to replace all four tires with winter tires. Although the front wheels are responsible for driving, all wheels participate in braking and steering. If only the front tires are replaced with winter tires, the rear wheels might slip on ice and snow, disrupting the vehicle's overall balance. I've personally driven in such situations—when taking high-speed turns, the rear end tends to drift, and the braking distance increases, which is extremely dangerous. The rubber compound of winter tires remains softer and more elastic in low temperatures, providing better grip. If the front and rear tires don't match, it's like running on a mountain road with one skate shoe and one boot—easy to lose control. Replacing all four tires might cost more, but safety is priceless, especially in northern areas with heavy snowfall. Regular checks and even wear can also extend tire lifespan.
