QuestionThanks for taking questions, Barry...
Okay...here goes...hope it makes sense.
We are considering purchasing a used 4x4 Kia Sportage. The salesman said that when you press the 4x4 button, you then should not drive over about 10-15 mph. My question is this: IF this same vehicle is then in 2WD (4WD not engaged) AND is also front wheel drive (we aren't even sure if it is front wheel drive - getting different answers), than would good snow tires on front wheel drive be adequate for driving in rain/snow/ice on surface streets/highway? I am talking about when the vehicle is NOT engaged in 4WD. Should we forget this idea and just look for an all-wheel vehicle (whatever that is called)? Any suggestions appreciated.
AnswerMelanie,
No matter if you have FWD, RWD, AWD, or 4X4, all 4 tires should be winter tires.
Even the worst winter tires are better than the average all season tires. (Note: Some all season tires are pretty good in the snow, so I can't say winter tires are ALWAYS better than all season tires.)
But if you are going to put winter tires on a vehicle, not only does the vehicle have to get going, but it also has to stop - and winter tires are needed for both conditions.
Now that would seem to apply to RWD, AWD and 4X4's, but what about FWD? The rear tires also should be the same. The theory is that if you loose control of one end of the car, when the vehicle slows down, the traction will return. if you lose control at the front, you'll be pointed the right direction to avoid what is in front of the vehicle. but if you lose control of the rear, when the traction returns, you'll be point in the wrong direction to avoid anything the vehicle is headed towards (backing into!). So the general rule is that you want the best tires on the rear regardless of the type of drive.
So getting the Sportage AND 4 winter tires makes a lot of sense. If you chose a different vehicle, you are still faced with the same situation.
