Can I run snow tires in the front only? or do I have to get a set of four? I have searched, but haven't been able to find a thread in which this is addressed. Thanks in advance, jimpennjr

 

According to my tire store winter tires MUST be used on all 4 wheels. They will not install 2 front or rear.

 

You really should run all 4 the same.... whether that's a "must" or the tire store is just trying to sell tires, I don't know. Goodyear store would have sold me just the two last year, they suggested 4 but weren't going to force me into anything. I ended up with some Eagle GT anyways and not snows, for the amount I drive in snow they are fine.

 

A lot of stores won't sell less than 4 snow tires to you, liability thing. You can get away with 2 in the front but I have had bad tires on a small front drive car in the rear and it was really hard keeping the tail end from coming around in bad snows. I spun once and somehow went across 2 lanes of traffic with people in front and behind me and didn't hit anything-very lucky. If you are looking for snow tires, Craigslist is a great place to pick up used snow tires people are trying to unload because they don't have the car anymore or are moving.

 

Not doubting you and you are correct about the rear end wanting to lead the show. I was just stating my experience at the Goodyear store, some places may sell just two with a warning..... We are both saying you should have 4 snows.

 

To answer your question...."Can you.....", YES. "Should you....", NO. At least, I think, that's what your Owners Book says (can't find the reference, right now).

 

I'd rather keep 4 all seasons for the winter than using only two snow tires in the front. Nothing worse than front/rear traction unbalance in slippery conditions, unless you enjoy doing 360s in traffic.

Yves

 

And if you are only getting 2 new tires they should NOT go on the front of the car. Info on the physics/dynamics of it in an article here, http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=52