Original Article by: Norm Mort

Ready for winter? Did you know most tire experts and major tire manufactures no longer recommend M & S (Mud & Snow) all-season tires, as they no longer perform to expected standards?

Braking technology has advanced considerably in the past ten years as well. Anti-lock brakes for example, measure traction. But if you are running two different types of tires (for example. New tires on the front wheels and older ones on the back, or vise vers) you are constantly going to get variance in tire traction. That's why you need to buy a set of four.

There are a variety of snow tires on the market to pick from. You should choose the snow tires that best suit your vehicle and the type of terrain, or road surface you will be driving on.

Your choice will also depend on the kind of vehicle you drive on your own personal preference. If you own a performance vehicle such as a BMW, or a Chrysler 300M you may wish to go with a performance snow tire.

Choose the snow tires that best suit your vehicle and the type of terrain, or road surface you will be driving on.

You can also fit a snow tire that provides a quarter, smoother ride - it's up to you. If you drive an economy car such as a Toyota Echo, or a Chevy Cavalier, there are specific tires recommended for these cars as well. Snow tires differ in price and design. Good quality snow tires for an economy car cost between$60-$80.00 each, whereas a snow tire for a performance car run around $150.00 per tire. Lower priced tires generally have an older design without the benefits of the latest technological advances. Whatever your choice in tires, be sure you understand what you are getting in the way of a warranty.

A good quality snow tire should be more than adequate in the city and in rural areas, but if you are regularly driving on gravel and ice then you should be looking at studded tires. Keep in mind, however, that studded tires are noisier and illegal in certain provinces - Ontario being one of them.

Leading tire manufacturers incorporate the latest in tire research, technology, compounds and design. They perform extensive tests on wet and dry asphalt, snow and ice, and at cold temperatures. They also have website you can visit if you would like to view their recommendations for your vehicle.

As well as buying snow tires you may wish to pick up a set of steel rims. You'll cut down on the costs associated with the biannual tire switch, while avoiding damaging your expensive mag or chrome wheels by exposing them to the winter salt and sand...or the occasional slide to the curb.