rich (11/02/82)
The reason dealers and/or tire sales persons tell you not to bother with snow tires on front wheel drive is that snow tires are designed for maximum traction ONLY in direct line of rotation. With FWD, the traction tires are also the steering tires and require lateral traction as well to be effective in ANY slippery situation. If you require more traction than a good set of all weather radials can deliver, either buy a cross trax tread pattern (like Subaru 4wd standard equipment) or you must purchase an add-on traction device (i.e., studs or chains). Don't buy the plastic chains... they will bust loose the first time you hit dry pavement. If you must have chains, purchase radial cable chains and DO NOT exceed 40-45mph and remove them as soon as possible once clear of the snow (to prevent tire damage and/or excessive chain wear).