[Roadsters] OT(non Roadster) tire question

[Dewey Hahlbohm]

Hi Tim & all, regarding single axle snow tires, this approach is not recommended in Montana.  Rear wheel drive vehicles with snow tires only in the rear is discouraged but not prohibited, 4 snow tires are recommended.

With front wheel drive vehicles the rules are more strict.  Front wheel drive vehicles require snow tires or studded snow tires on all 4 wheels.  MOST, if not all, tire stores require that you put snow tires on all 4, and will not mount 2 on the drive axle.  ALL tire stores require studded snows on all 4 wheels.  They will not mount 2 studded snows on a front wheel drive car.

I do not know if this is law, I do not think it is.  I believe it is policy of the tire dealers.   

This policy/requirement stems from a law suit about 20-25 years ago.  A front wheel drive car with studs on the front only spun around with serious injuries/death, attributed to not having studs on all 4 wheels.  Subsequent to that lawsuit, you cannot get studded snow tires mounted on just the drive axle in Montana.  I believe this applies in most states in the Northwest, if not all states.      

So, from a safety perspective, single axle snow tires are not recommended.  However, what you do with the tires after they leave the store is of course your choice.  

Good luck, and have fun in the snow, I know we will this winter.  Dewey 


-----Original Message-----
>From: Tim <tputland at charter.net>
>Sent: Nov 26, 2011 9:21 AM
>To: "datsun-roadsters: autox.team.net" <datsun-roadsters at autox.team.net>
>Subject: [Roadsters] OT(non Roadster) tire question
>
>More from the clueless one is southern WI......
>
>I want to put snow tires on my S10 (not FWD) and my wife's avalon. I 
>can't afford eight tires. I was thinking of putting two on each of the 
>drive wheels on each vehicle. The avalon is (front wheel drive) 205 
>65R15 and the S10 is 205 75R15.
>
>My question is, if I buy four tires that are 205 75R16 (and get the four 
>tire purchase discount), can I get away with putting these slightly 
>bigger profile tires on the Toyota?
>
>Thanks!
>
>I revert back to an old signature....
>
>Still cluelss but always learning
>
>Tim
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