Originally Posted By: scafool
I have been using all season radials for years. Other than the fact you need to replace them when they get worn enough that they don't grab as well instead of when the tread is down to the limit they have been fine.


There is a huge difference between snow tires and all-season tires. I think the term is "does not excel at ANY conditions" is appropriate for all-season tires.... Snow tires excel at snow and ice and has crappy performance on wet or dry asphalt, particular when the temperature is above 50F. (Not to mention you wear them out them pretty fast in high temperatures). If you try it, you'll be amazed of the performance gap between "all season" and a dedicated snow/ice tire.

That being said, those all-season tires may be appropriate for you and your climate. You can rotate tires for the season, but you can't rotate tires each time the weather changes...

Reducing speed to match your grip is the key, plus a little bit of slippery road training does not hurt either .... Another tip: At the start of the season I always test my grip when I'm uncertain of how much grip I really have. I brake hard at a safe location and speed to see what happens. (If your car hasn't ABS you should be ready to release that brake pedal PDQ). I will also seek out areas where I can play and practice - just provoking a little slip so I get the feeling of it, and how to control and correct it. Rundabouts are great for this purpose (when empty!)...