Winter Tires
The initial movement and acceleration of any vehicle in winter or other adverse driving conditions are dependent on the traction available from the tires on the driving axle. However, the handling, cornering and braking of a vehicle after it is in motion, especially in any adverse weather conditions, are dependent on the traction from both the front and rear tires. The rear tires of any vehicle must have comparable or higher traction capabilities than the front tires in order to optimize vehicle mobility and control, especially during sudden maneuvers.
Winter/Snow tires - It is always preferable to apply winter/snow tires to all wheel positions, including duals, to maintain vehicle mobility and control.
If winter/snow tires are applied to the front axle of any vehicle, winter/snow tires must also be installed on the rear axle. DO NOT apply winter/snow tires only to the front axle. This applies to all passenger and light truck vehicles including front-wheel-drive, 4WD, and AWD vehicles. WARNING! Without winter/snow tires on the rear axle, which have comparable traction qualities to the tires on the front axle, the vehicle may experience adverse handling characteristics. This may result in loss of vehicle control, which could cause serious injury or death.
If winter/snow tires are installed on the rear axle of any vehicle, it is recommended that they also be installed on the front axle.
Studded Winter/Snow tires - Studded winter/snow tires have higher traction qualities under most winter weather conditions.
If studded winter/snow tires are installed on the front axle of any vehicle, studded winter/snow tires must also be installed on the rear axle. DO NOT apply studded winter/snow tires only to the front axle. WARNING! Installing only two studded winter/snow tires on the front axle of any vehicle (including front-wheel-drive vehicles) without studded winter/snow tires on the rear axle can cause adverse vehicle handling characteristics. This may result in loss of vehicle control, which could cause serious injury or death.
If studded winter/snow tires are installed on the rear axle of any vehicle, it is strongly recommended that they should also be installed on the front axle. Only if studded winter/snow tires are installed on all wheel positions of a vehicle will optimum handling characteristics be achieved.
For more information, see Cooper Service Bulletin # 114 "Application of Winter/Snow Tires and Studded Winter/Snow Tires".
If you have any questions, please contact your local tire dealer or Cooper Tire at 1-800-854-6288.