Do You Really Need AWD? Settling The Winter Tire Debate (Good video)

[sajohnson]

This YouTube channel is very good. The guy is an engineer and does a very good job of researching and explaining things.

In this video he compares summer/all-season/winter tires, and FWD/RWD/AWD:


Very useful info.

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[Mark S.]

Jason is very skilled at explaining complex engineering ideas in simple terms even idiots like me can understand.

 

[Tigger]

That was a good video. And sadly, the main thing I learned is that it’s Hankook and not Hankock, which I’ve been mispronouncing for at least 30 years.

 

[Dude]

That was a good video. And sadly, the main thing I learned is that it’s Hankook and not Hankock, which I’ve been mispronouncing for at least 30 years.

I’m pretty sure Tiggers are kooks

 

[RSH]

No, you don't need AWD.
With a good set of winter tires on a FWD or RWD vehicle they will work just fine in the snow and better than an AWD with normal or sport type tires.

 

[sajohnson]

No, you don't need AWD.
With a good set of winter tires on a FWD or RWD vehicle they will work just fine in the snow and better than an AWD with normal or sport type tires.

Testify!

On another thread I mentioned the test that C&D magazine did years ago. They put winter tires on a FWD Altima and all-season tires on a Pathfinder (all tires good Dunlops) and ran them on a snow-covered road course.

The Altima was better at: stopping, steering, cornering, and lap time.

The Pathfinder had the edge in acceleration and hill climbing.

So unless a person lives, or expect to drive, where there are steep hills, the FWD car with winter tires is the better choice.

Of course, that leaves out the option of the Pathfinder (or other AWD/FWD vehicle) with winter tires, which clearly is the best option (but may not be necessary).

We have several inches of snow predicted for Saturday, so we're looking forward to doing some testing with the Badlands, but it just has the OE tires on it, so it's a bit crippled. We don't have to drive in the snow (both retired) so I haven't bought winter tires for it.

 

[AndyMac204]

the BS is my first AWD vehicle. Prior to this, all Honda Civics, Honda Fit. Front wheel drive and good snow tires do wonders.

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