In article >,
Lanny Chambers > wrote:

> In article >,
> Alan Baker > wrote:
>
> > I do some winter driving on snowy roads, but I managed
> > that alright when I as on my last set of 205/40 tires even when they had
> > very little tread left.
>
> Alan, it's not just a matter of tread. If you must drive on ANY amount
> of snow, even just to get back into your driveway, then all summer tires
> are out. Their rubber compound gets hard in low temperatures, and
> driving in snow or ice is not just difficult, it's physically
> impossible. You'll need to limit your search to all-season tires, or
> resolve to leave the Miata home until the roads are clear. Summer tires
> also lose grip in cold weather, but they have so much to start with,
> it's not unsafe, merely limiting.

Lanny, with respect, I think you're overstating the case.

The Euro T/As I used to drive were very much summer tires, and they
worked in winter. It was not "physically impossible" by any stretch, and
in fact -- by dint of skill -- I was often able to negotiate snowy roads
more ably than less skill drivers in 4WD vehicles with all-season tires.

--
Alan Baker
Vancouver, British Columbia
<http://gallery.me.com/alangbaker/100008/DSCF0162/web.jpg>