Mixed tire sizes

[Jazzzfan]

Tire size is one of those topics where everybody has an opinion.
I have 2 questions about snow tires:
1) I can only afford 2 snow tires. If I mount them on the front (2005 aveo hatch LT) and they are a different size than the stock (rear) tires (185/60R14), will it ruin the ABS system? Even if the difference is small (like 175/65R14)?
2) When I read in the forum that people bought a "set" of snow tires, does that now mean 4 tires (in the old days snow tires were bought 2 at a time and mounted on the rear drive wheels).
I guess I'm trying to get up to speed with both the ABS system and front wheel drive (been driving pickup trucks for the last 30 years).
I really do appreciate the help I get in the Forum.

[jayman]

i dont see any reason why it would be a problem

[trempus]

have you looked for used ones?

[Ratchet104]

Your selection shouldn't make a difference considering there's less than a 1% difference in size. The problem is when the difference in size is substantial, it throws the ABS system off because 1 set moves slower than the other set. But I can't imagine why it'd be a difference. People with FWD vehicles usually buy all 4 tires because the front wheels are the drive wheels, but on any vehicle, the back wheels keep you on track; moving in the direction your going.

[petrified.rabbit]

what ratchet said is correct, in rwd cars the front tires can be bald, they will just point you in the direction like skis..

but 4 snows is best, even on rwd, for when you hit icy roads.

what tire prices/costs are you looking at? we might be able to help you find cheaper/better.

[petrified.rabbit]

thats the tracking rachet mentioned, i guess not everyone knows that?

that is one of the reasons the fwd cars have a narrower rear width than front..

[northguest47]

the slight downhill turn in winter with front wheel drive is often the one. did it at high speed. did it at a drive through. recommend the same rubber for all 4 winter tires with the best tread up front because prefer a powerslide over understeer. if nothing is getting to within budget try second hand you might be surprised what you can find locally

[wylee]

thats the tracking rachet mentioned, i guess not everyone knows that?

My bad. Post deleted.

[Jazzzfan]

I appreciate all the info. Mr Rabbit - thanks for the offer to help find something cheaper...I just joined the ranks of the unemployed, so needless to say money is very tight. I've been checking the are newspapers online and craigslist for used snows, but I'm not finding anything in our size. This saturday I'm going to a garage sale that listed aveo snows for sale. Hope that works out.

[petrified.rabbit]

it would probably work out if you showed up tonight to the garage sale :P

wylee- no need to delete your post, its part of the conversation. it essentially gave a definition of tracking to "readers"