Given
80%
while driving a
Mercury Grand marquis
(215/70 R15) on
mostly country roads
for 2,000
average miles
Incredible snow traction, almost impossible to get stuck with these on. Even in the worst wet and icy snow conditions, they simply dig in until they find grip and get you out again, and hold the road well in ice and freezing rain. A true winter specific choice that is worth the purchase if you live where there is snow on the ground up to five months out of the year.
On my car, a classic old fashioned RWD full size car with no traction controls and good ground clearance, it will easily climb through snow that comes to the very bottom of the undercarriage, even up a grade. With some skill and weight on the rear axle, you can escape about any snow condition as good as a 4x4. Even tonight I was driving in freezing rain, and it wanted to handle as if it were near dry pavement. Impressive.
My only complaint is ride quality, as it certainly rides much rougher than all season tires. I drive luxury cars that have extremely good ride quality, and the difference is easy to feel. Not sure if it is the tread pattern, as it almost seems to be riding on cogs rather than a smooth tire. No real road noise of vibration, but a very definite "firm" feel that translates back into the ride quality.
I use these tires exclusively in the long winters we have, so dry condition driving is limited in my case. They certainly don't feel as nice or seem to grip as well as all season tires I've had of similar size on this and similar cars of the same type on dry, warm conditions. I cannot comment on tire wear, as I drive several old automobiles, and have a limited mileage lifestyle.
All in all, they are exactly what a winter setup should be expected to be. Almost unbelievable high snow and cold performance, all at the sacrifice of warm weather comfort and control.