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Snow tires are made specifically for winter driving, manufactured with a softer rubber than regular all-season tires. This makes them better for traction on ice and in the snow. You can not safely put snow tires on just the front of a Windstar or any vehicle. If you don't want to put yourself (or others) at a greater risk on the roads this winter, get yourself 4 good winter/snow tires and be safe all winter long!

Keep in mind that snow tires do not give you or your vehicle the ability to drive like you're on a summer road. Always drive according to the road conditions!!

Snow tires are great for areas where the street does not get plowed right away. However you won't get just 2 tires. Snow tires for radial tired vehicles are always sold in sets of 4 because there is such a better grip with them that you drive faster and if you did not have snow tires in the rear you would have the back of the car spin out. You'll find out when trying to buy them. I've already tried to buy just 2 snow tires and have been turned away by the tire company.

Studded tires, all-weather tires, and chains all help the vehicle gain traction on slippery surfaces. In short, yeah it helps but don't treat them like you're invincible. You have to still use reasonable caution on the road. Slow to safe speeds, and give yourself extra space between cars if you can. The more space you have, the better off you are. Also slow down earlier than you normally would for traffic lights and stop signs. :D

Also: In October, you're probably going to be dealing with slush more than ice, but even slush can be slippery if the water is starting to freeze, or if you're driving through shaded areas getting less sun. Just take it easy, no need to speed. Leave earlier to get to your destination to give yourself more time, so you don't need to speed. :P

Winter tires only in the front will not help. They will in fact make the vehicle highly unstable and far more likely to spin dangerously out of control. This is why tire retailers will only sell and install them in sets of 4. Why would you want only half of your car to have traction?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.js...

I have a 98 Windstar on which I have always used 4 winter tires during the slippery season and they make a massive difference.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.js...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.js...

Snow tiers really work beacause unlike regular tiers, it put weight of the car in sertin stots to be able to push forward better. Regular tiers are just weight on the whole tier.