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You are quite correct - however, as long as one appreciates the extra risk (relative to having all 4 tyres shod with winter/all season tyres) and drives appropriately that small risk can be mitigated.
The only time I've seen someone get properly caught out by having winter tyres on the front and regular tyres on the back was when towing in the snow. We were the lead car, in a 4x4 with winter tyres on, our friend was following in a FWD car with winter tyres on the front and regular ones on the rear.
As we approached a junction, we saw in our rear view mirrors that he had lost control. As he braked to slow for the junction, the extra weight of the un-braked trailer was still pushing the car from behind. The back end stepped out rather smartly, and he 'jack-knifed. Mercifully at slow speed, less than 20 mph I guess, and no damage done.
The same effect would occur if cornering a little too quick, or braking while cornering - just like normal then - the difference is, having got the decent traction at the front, one might be inspired to think the back has a similar amount of grip, when in fact, it's far more marginal!
So, nothing wrong per-se with having winter/all season on the front only - as long as you realise that the end without them on only has the same reduced grip, that any other car with regular tyres has. So drive accordingly.
However, countries where it is mandatory to use winter tyres (between October and March usually) also mandate that all wheels must have winter tyres - you're simply not allowed to mix. |
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