Should I fit a pair of winter tyres to the front or rear wheels of my BMW 320D Touring?

If I were to purchase a couple of winter tyres for my BMW 320D Touring, would I be best served fitting them to the front or rear wheels?

Asked on 2 November 2010 by J.N. N.Yorks.

Answered by Honest John
You have to purchase a full set, preferably on a spare set of rims, and fit them to all four corners, and then tell your insurer (though there should be no premium increase). BMW dealers are currently offering precisely this. Fitting them just to the driven wheels is an archaic 1950s idea from the days when they did not make too much difference to the generally terrible roadholding and braking of cars.
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