I have a 2010 Mustang GT and while it has been fun most of the time, the big engine and rear-wheel drive leave me wishing for more grip in winter. I have started looking at a replacement car with all-wheel drive. My questions relate to tires:
1.) If I get a car with all-wheel drive do I need winter tires?
2.) If I have to keep the Mustang because I won't get what I want on a trade, should I get smaller wheels and winter tires?
The ones I have now will have to be replaced if facing another winter. I live in Toronto and only drive about 8,000 kilometres a year, mostly in the summer. – Al
Let's tackle those issues in order. In terms of pure grip in slippery, winter conditions, all-wheel drive beats rear-wheel drive.
However, there are two issues to keep in mind – temperature and performance – other than acceleration. All-season tires lose much of their grip when the temperature drops near to and below the freezing point.
If you had a good set of four winter tires on the Mustang and all-seasons on the new car, the newcomer might slightly edge out the Mustang when getting under way in snow or on ice. But the superior grip of the winter tires would give the edge to the Mustang when it came time to stop or turn – all-wheel drive does not help in these situations.
So, if you keep the Mustang, buy a new set of wheels one-inch smaller in diameter and spring for a set of really good winter tires, one size down. You will have more grip than you have now because the narrower tire will cut through snow more easily.
A good tire shop will be able to advise as to the right size. If you get a new AWD vehicle, you should really get a set of winter tires to maximize its advantage. Having said that, if you don't drive much in the winter months and leave car in your garage, parking place or driveway when it snows or gets slippery, you might get away without winter tires.
But, keep in mind that really cold weather will reduce grip whether going, turning or stopping.
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