Is It Okay to Only Replace Two Drive Wheels with Snow Tires?
2 Answers
Snow tires should not be installed on only two drive wheels. The principles and explanations of snow tires are as follows: Principles of Snow Tires: The tread that contacts the road surface uses a special silica-based compound to ensure the tire remains exceptionally soft even at extremely low temperatures, providing excellent grip on ice. The tread pattern typically employs a cross-Z siping technology, which not only enhances braking performance on snow and ice, shortens braking distances, but also delivers ideal traction. Explanation of Snow Tires: These tires are designed for use in snowy conditions, featuring rubber with metal studs to increase grip. In colder regions prone to snow accumulation, such as Russia, people use these tires during winter.
I remember last winter, to save money, I only replaced the two front tires with snow tires, thinking that having traction on the drive wheels would be enough. But during a heavy snowfall, when I was turning, the rear wheels suddenly lost grip, and the car almost hit the roadside railing. I was terrified. After stopping, I realized the handling was very unbalanced, with insufficient rear-wheel traction during braking, and the tires wore out faster. The mechanic told me I was playing with my life—having different friction levels between front and rear wheels increases the risk of losing control. He said it's safer to replace all four tires in snowy conditions and not to skimp on that expense, as an accident is no joke.
