Every year we see the same threads and every year the answer is still irrefutable and unchanging. To find the facts do a search online on the capabilities of winter tires and then a take a small period of time to think about simple physics. It simply can not be argued.
The whole idea of winter tires on all four corners is to prevent any drifting to actually provide increased traction. We get the same simple thinking individuals that think that the 'drive' wheels (fwd, rwd) are the only ones that need traction.
A couple of factors that obscure these simple laws are budget and ignorance.
-If you can't afford winter tires get a good set of 3 seasons and deal with the lesser capability. Fresh winter tires exceed the abilities of a fresh 3 season tire. It can and has been proven time after time.
-It doesn't matter how many years you have driven with 3 seasons or winter and do just fine, 4 winter tires provides more grip and better safety. If one is blinded by the ignorance of their own skill limitations they are seldom swayed by such notions of fact and laws of physics.
Consider this:
Take a look at most racing cars and how their shoes. When its dry, wet, snowing, gravel etc, they have a different tire for every road surface. They risk millions of dollars and reputation that they can complete the road course quicker and safer than the other racers who are all of world leading skill and experience. They have R&D working overtime to gain the smallest advantage...the tech that trickles down helps the consumer cars.
We too have access to higher performance shoes. 3 season tires are a compromise for all surfaces. They can obtain some degree of grip at the limitation of another. Summer tires outshine 3 season in the dry, but are awful in the heavy rain/mud/snow. Winter tires outshine 3 season in the cold temperature weather conditions, but are not good in the dry at all.
Like different tools for a job there are always good/better/best. What you choose is up to you, but always be willing to learn or be stuck in last century thinking.
The whole idea of winter tires on all four corners is to prevent any drifting to actually provide increased traction. We get the same simple thinking individuals that think that the 'drive' wheels (fwd, rwd) are the only ones that need traction.
A couple of factors that obscure these simple laws are budget and ignorance.
-If you can't afford winter tires get a good set of 3 seasons and deal with the lesser capability. Fresh winter tires exceed the abilities of a fresh 3 season tire. It can and has been proven time after time.
-It doesn't matter how many years you have driven with 3 seasons or winter and do just fine, 4 winter tires provides more grip and better safety. If one is blinded by the ignorance of their own skill limitations they are seldom swayed by such notions of fact and laws of physics.
Consider this:
Take a look at most racing cars and how their shoes. When its dry, wet, snowing, gravel etc, they have a different tire for every road surface. They risk millions of dollars and reputation that they can complete the road course quicker and safer than the other racers who are all of world leading skill and experience. They have R&D working overtime to gain the smallest advantage...the tech that trickles down helps the consumer cars.
We too have access to higher performance shoes. 3 season tires are a compromise for all surfaces. They can obtain some degree of grip at the limitation of another. Summer tires outshine 3 season in the dry, but are awful in the heavy rain/mud/snow. Winter tires outshine 3 season in the cold temperature weather conditions, but are not good in the dry at all.
Like different tools for a job there are always good/better/best. What you choose is up to you, but always be willing to learn or be stuck in last century thinking.