I was thinking about putting snow tires ONLY on the front of my car and leaving all-seasons on the rear. I could save some money instead of buying 4xsnow tires. $400++..

Does this work?

 

I used to drive with studded snows on the rear only when I lived in the NE. It was no problem. I am assuming you are saying front because you have a FWD.

 

Its better to put the snow tires on the rear, regardless of if its FWD or RWD. Car control comes from the rear in winter. I watched a program on Discovery HD about this.

 

I don't think that's a good idea. Why not get some cheaper winters, say from Crappy Tire or get some used ones? I bought a set of mildly used 4 Bridgestone Blizzak Revos for $300. A new set would have cost me double. The lifetime cost isn't all the different with winters because you replace your summers/all seasons less frequently.

 

most stores won't even install winter tires on the front. one of the fundamentals of FWD being 'safer' then rwd is b/c when fwd breaks traction 9 times outta 10 will result in a plowing through the corner, which is less scary for the typical driver then spinning. there for if u have winter tires on the front an others in the back, it screws up this whole idea, so most shops just won't do it. something about making them more liable for making ur car less safe.

 

MMM mike i know u seen outrside and there is no snow!

 

Last year I got two used Motomaster snow tires in descent shape for ~$80 (installed and blanced).

It was a little more for some better tires I think.

Always an option.

 

wow, I paid $270 for 4 205-55-16 snows last winter (about this time actually!), what size does your vehicle take maybe I can get you a deal!

what kind of car are these going on?

 

205/55R16 is typically a performance size and is there for given the higher speed rating, which then also increases the price, as well this sisze is only found on out cars and on cavilers with the optional rims. low demand - low stock - high price.

 

I agree with previous comments regarding putting snows on all corners. Vehicle stability and control comes from all four wheels regardless of where traction comes from and despite any inherent FWD/RWD differences. I actually bought two sets of snows, Blizzaks (used one season for my wife's car) and Alpins (used two seasons for my truck) off eBay, which worked out great. I saved a ton of $$$ Also, don't forget that you can get cheaper tires and steelies if you drop to 15" Based on your size, you can safely drop down to 195 65R15 with only about a 0.4% speedo difference.

 

According to Michelin, the best tires should always go on the rear. So if you can only afford two tires, put them out back. However 4 is obviously the best choice.

 

did I miss something, I don't think he posted a size or vehicle yet?

 

good point, for some reason I thought the topic was the size that you had mentioned previously