I've had my X since 2005 (2003 2.5 manual), and never used snow tires; only had a 7 mile drive to work and never felt the need.

In April 2013 I started a new job 25 miles from home, and the following winter was miserable here in Michigan - my all season tires weren't cutting it anymore, and snow tires in my size were sold out everywhere by the time I was ready to give in! (I drove my wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee most of that winter - hate that car!)

This year, I didn't wait and bought a set of Firestone Winterforce in early November. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....el=Winterforce

In short, these things are incredible! We've had minimal snow with a bit of ice so far, but I can tell already I should have done this a LONG time ago. Slushy snow over a base of ice, and the car will accelerate without spinning a wheel, stops with minimal ABS activation, and drives straight as an arrow in slush and snow (at reasonable speeds of course). No more "white knuckle ride" for my commute!

I'm a convert now - as long as there's snow, I'm prepared. I won't go without dedicated winter tires again!

 

Nice one Rudy, glad to hear all is well

Those winter tyres will keep you and the X in good shape, I'm sure

Thanks for sharing

 

I agree. Winter tires are such a huge difference. I live in Alberta and put some winters on my car 2 weeks ago and instantly noticed a huge difference. Our winters are harsh and the snow turns to a layer of ice after 1 day of being driven on and we are usually well below 0 for months. So side streets are a skating rink and I feel so confident going around corners after having done my change over.