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Is it safe to fit only two winter tyres to a car for driving in snow?
I have had a few disagreements with friends and colleagues concerning the fitting of two winter tyres only during the British winter. Personally I consider this dangerous but I am not in the majority. What is your opinion on the matter? Also do you know what the opinion of an insurance company would be?
Asked on 18 February 2012 by RK, Dunfermline
Answered by
Honest John
There is a Michelin film that demonstrates what is very likely to happen: www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Video-Can-you-fit-ju...m (TinyURL: tinyurl.com/72c6jrr)
If you give the front more grip than the back, then under braking in slippery conditions or when descending a hill, the back of the car will become uncontrollable. So while putting cold weather ‘winter’ tyres on the front only will give traction to get out of snow, it actually makes the car more dangerous to drive. Some insurers want to know you have fitted winter tyres, some don't. At least two (Toyota Insurance and Mercedes Insurance) give a 5 per cent discount for fitting winters all round.
If you give the front more grip than the back, then under braking in slippery conditions or when descending a hill, the back of the car will become uncontrollable. So while putting cold weather ‘winter’ tyres on the front only will give traction to get out of snow, it actually makes the car more dangerous to drive. Some insurers want to know you have fitted winter tyres, some don't. At least two (Toyota Insurance and Mercedes Insurance) give a 5 per cent discount for fitting winters all round.
Cold-snap snow-how: Advice on coping with the freezing weather, including videos, facts and winter driving advice.
Honest John's Guide To Winter Tyres
From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.
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