[Tipper]

On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?

[M3-FAST]

I prefer to be able to steer once moving so opted for four

I did have similar thoughts to you though, but wouldn't mix tyres of such different grip/tread patterns/rubber compounds, etc on the same car.

They really are very different to summer tyres.

[jaguar36]

If you've got summer's now, no question, go with 4. With all seasons you might be able to get away with just 2, but I'd still get 4.

[Tipper]

M3-FAST - Point taken but I suspect you drive your M3 different to the way I drive my E91 320d!!!

My E91 is the family hack/luggage hauler/kids flat mover/property developers van!

And my tyres are substantially 'thinner' that your big fat road-roller wheels.

[Tipper]

Originally Posted by jaguar36

If you've got summer's now, no question, go with 4. With all seasons you might be able to get away with just 2, but I'd still get 4.

We don't get your type of winter weather in the UK and only very very ocasionally in the SW.

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by Tipper

Point taken but I suspect you drive your M3 different to the way I drive my E91 320d!!!

My E91 is the family hack/luggage hauler/kids flat mover/property developers van!

In fair weather, maybe I do BUT in snow/ice/rain/greasy roads I reckon we are probably pretty equal! I tried moving it in the snow last year and it went nowhere fast. My neighbour who lives opposite had an E90 320D M-sport on 18" MV2's - his actually had a bit more traction than my PS2's but he still lost it at the bottom of the road, slid and hit the kerb, damaging the wheel and bending the lower suspension arm.

If I can at least carry on driving local journeys in light snow and slushy roads I will be happy. Steering PLUS traction = one happy winter driver!

[briers]

Rear winters might give you traction but it doesn't help you understeering off the road.

I always get caught out in the snow and i live in staffordshire of all places (not even that bad here) and i want to be able to get home. It definitely has to be 4. You don't have to get the best tyres, there are some tyres available for £100 each.

Small price to pay for not getting stuck in the freezing cold snow, having to walk somewhere, cold shoes, wet socks, ruined your favourite shoes, ask a mate to pick you up or walk to a relatives, public transport, leaving a car you actually like in the middle of no-where, possibly damaged, arriving home in a mood, pissing your mrs off and arguing.


Get 4

[ed335d]

Originally Posted by briers

Rear winters might give you traction but it doesn't help you understeering off the road.

I always get caught out in the snow and i live in staffordshire of all places (not even that bad here) and i want to be able to get home. It definitely has to be 4. You don't have to get the best tyres, there are some tyres available for £100 each.

Small price to pay for not getting stuck in the freezing cold snow, having to walk somewhere, cold shoes, wet socks, ruined your favourite shoes, ask a mate to pick you up or walk to a relatives, public transport, leaving a car you actually like in the middle of no-where, possibly damaged, arriving home in a mood, pissing your mrs off and arguing.


Get 4

What he said

[remmib]

Always get 4 winter tyres.

[Professor///M]

Originally Posted by Tipper

On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?

You should NEVER mix tires. Always 4 of the same brand and tread. Anything else is asking for trouble.

[matlough]

Just had 4x Avon Ice Touring ST fitted (£403/Event Tyres).

Cannot wait until we get some ice/snow (also bought a set of snow socks!)!!

Even this week on wet/damp roads, temps about 6/7 the grip was very impressive.

[russtic]

Originally Posted by ed335d

What he said

+1

[chris330D]

Originally Posted by Tipper

On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?

The problem might seem to be traction but believe me if you got the car going you would find that the same tyre tread/type that don't give traction don't steer for the same reason. There is a very good video on youtube showing what happens when you only fit two sets of winters. False economy IMHO.

[no_ball]

Try it and let us know how it goes, maybe a cost saving next year

[rsmallwo]

im getting some nankang sv-2 tyres fitted to mine. £260 for 4 at size 225/45/r17. yes a budget make but winter budget tyres will beat summer top end tyres below 7c.

at that kind of price, its silly not to grt winter tyres!

[mjh93sa]

4