Just around town? Winter tires should do depending on the town. I lived in Alaska, at 19 mile Richardson Highway ( outside of Fairbanks ) and never used anything but winter tires. Lots of snow, but little ice and no black ice as once it hits freezing there it stays frozen.

Of course studs are the creme de la creme of winter tires!

@Neodarwinian If I had 4 wheel drive I wouldn’t even worry about it as much. I am in Fairbanks. Think I might just get the studded Hankook tires, although Blizzaks supposedly are some the best winter tires you can get right?

Blizzaks are the best. I haven’t tried much else, but I see no need to, they work fantastic.

@CuriousLoner

” Think I might just get the studded Hankook tires, although Blizzaks supposedly are some the best winter tires you can get right? ”

You have me there as I do not know which brand would be best here. Perhaps someone more informed in this area will answer the question.

PS: Is the Nordale Hotel still open?

@Neodarwinian I hear more about Blizzaks, but Hankooks seem good too. And don’t know about a Nordale Hotel, where would it be at in town?

@CuriousLoner

On Second Street/Avenue. Can not remember exactly where, but, of course, not far from the river. Hotel flooded in ‘67 I think.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=1960s+Second+Ave+Nordale+Hotel+Lacey+St+Theater+Old+Cars+Signs+Neon+Fairbanks+AK

A 1960’s picture on top.

Studs are good on ice but deteriorate rapidly on pavement. Blizzaks are awesome. Neither compensate for the fact that winter driving is different and requires skill. Personally, I use all-seasons that are geared towards wet weather; they typically have open enough treads to shed snow anyways… but that’s me.

@jerv I’m leaning towards the Blizzaks now that I’ve thought about it more. The roads stay fairly cleared out and they put down a decent amount of gravel.

Agree, still have to drive with more caution.

I have all seasons on right now, but the tread is pretty much half, seeing where the little bar was when I looked at it.

Yeah, if the tread is half gone, I’d replace them even if it were still summer. Hydroplaning sucks no matter what the season.

@Neodarwnian the nordale hotel is no longer the nordale hotel. I would have to double check but it looks like its between Cushman and lacey. That sign looked very familiar. The buildings are mostly the same some got a few face lifts but I couldn’t tell you for sure what it became.

Blizzaks I am told are no longer top of the line. But I still get them because I’ve always been happy with them.

Whatever you do don’t get mix studs and all weather.

Also since I got my all wheel drive I will say I do slide around a lot more. I am not sure what that is about. 2 wheel drive is easy even if it is a midsize sedan. Not sure if there 4 and all wheel have different techniques or if studs v blizzaks argument had different relevance.

http://www.consumersearch.com/snow-tires

All wheel drive is pretty misunderstood for snow driving. It helps you get going, but it won’t help you stop. I see lots of people around where I live with riced out Subarus or Audis just sliding around the roads and going way too fast, using the AWD as a crutch.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re great cars, but they’re good in the snow for a multitude of reasons, not just AWD.

@DeanV An ‘84–87 Corolla is better in the snow :p

Tires and the driver make the car in snow.

@DeanV My last week in NH involved driving hundreds of miles on icy roads after an ice storm that was declared a national disaster in three states… on four bald tires. Not recommended for novices!