jonl

In unplowed deep snow perhaps, but I have never heard anyone say 4x4 is better than a good AWD system like Subaru or Audi on the road. And my 4x4 cannot be used on clear pavement or at high speed, so not great on highways, or black ice.

I ran new all weathers on my F150 4x4 last winter, The all weathers I bought are Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S, which I like a lot after running for 14 months and 12,000 kms. They are better than all seasons in snow, though not as capable in icy conditions as dedicated winter tires. This year has been more snow and earlier than usual. I got a free set of 4 used mounted winters from my son's truck, so I went back to winter tires on the truck. Wife's Subaru Crosstrek with Blizzaks is better than the truck, best winter vehicle I have driven.

Winter tires are just another cost of owning a vehicle. With steel wheels, they cost $1,600 or so, and last 8 or 10 years. The all-season tires get fewer miles, so last longer, offsetting some of the cost. My insurance co. gives a tiny discount. I am not sure they should be required, but if someone goes out in poor conditions and causes damage or bodily harm and haven't taken reasonable precautions, like winter tires, they should be held (ir)responsible.

Princess Auto http://www.princessauto.com/ KITCHENER 2 Executive Place N2P 2N4 Ph: (519) 743-0742 Fax: (519) 743-0033 TollFree: 1-866-725-0015 Mon to Fri: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Drivers license and birth cert. ok for now, but as of Jan '08, a passport will be req'd. Link below to Homeland Security site. http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/