snow tires for Toyota Sienna van

[Gadgetman]

I am wondering if I could put just two snow tires on the front of my van or if this is going to cause problems, I have 4 new tires all around but just dont seem to get very good traction. will snows on the front only be a mistake? I dont really want to own two sets of tires for one vehicle. Also any suggestions for a snow tire would be appreciated

[Jeremy airjer W]

I can tell you from personal experience that having two different all season tires can make a difference your vehicles traction. The Saturn has 2 of one brand and 2 of another. On set on the fron wheels the other on the rear. Last year the rotate happened to have the tires that are on the rear now on the front and they where worthless in the snow. Those tires are now on the rear and the other tires are much better in the snow/ice.

The problem is, I can feel the back of the car wanting to break free. It has a couple of times making turns but you can really feel it out on the highway, especially as slick as they where!

If you get two specific snow and ice/tires on the front the back is still going to suffer from the lack of traction the current tires have. You can do two on the front but you'll be much better off with a set of four.

Get them mounted on steel wheels and you have yourself a killer winter tire/wheel combo, not to mention the aluminum wheels (if you have them) stay a lot nicer longer not being driven in the salt all winter long.

[deadeye]

Exactly what airjer said and don't do just 2.

I have done it before with snows up front but its skectchy at best. Your able to take off better, but unless you got abs the back will like to lock up before the fronts when braking. Turning will be interesting too. Not good either way.

If you were going to get snow tires, Bridgestone Blizzaks, Nokian Hakkapelitta, or Firestone Winterforce are all good tires. I have run each one of those and liked them all.

It is worth it IMO on a minivan/car since we do have winter for so long. Its probably going to cost about the same (maybe a little less) than a insurance deductible for a crash would. Minus a huge headache.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Dunlop makes a set also I think there DS-3's. We mounted up four for a customer last night and they looked and felt comparable to a blizzak. I have owned blizzaks in the past and hands down the best snow tire I have tried. Like four wheel drive for your front wheel drive!