Is it acceptable to install winter tires only on the front axle of any vehicle?

Installing winter tires only on the front axle of a vehicle is not acceptable due to safety and performance considerations. When winter tires are placed on only one axle, it creates a significant imbalance in traction and handling. Vehicles rely on all four tires for stability, especially in slick or snowy conditions.

When one set of tires has superior grip while the other has standard all-season or summer tires, it can lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior. For example, the front tires may grip the road well, but if the rear tires lose traction, the vehicle could become unstable and may even spin out. This poses a serious risk not only to the driver but also to occupants and others on the road.

Using winter tires on all four wheels helps ensure even traction and handling performance, promoting safer driving in winter conditions. In addition, many vehicle manufacturers recommend or require a full set of winter tires to maintain the intended handling characteristics and meet insurance or warranty requirements.