So A couple months back I needed new tires. Was at OK Tire, and I mentioned to the guy that I had snow tires on steel wheels for the winter. He basically called me an idiot, saying that I don't need snow tires, and that I should just hold off buying new tires, put the snow tires on and run them till they are bald (through the summer etc) and then buy these "All Weather" tires instead.

His claim is that they are too expensive, too much hassle, and not needed. Grr, he made me mad.

First of all, using snow tires gives me optimal traction in the winter. I notice an immediate improvement with them on.

Second, when running the snow tires, (16") I am not burning through my rubber on my regular, more expensive tires (17"). So this gives more years to both, so really there is no added cost here at all. Upfront cost yes, but long term, about the same.

Anyways, he made me mad. Just curious what everyone things about running snow tires. (Note, I am in Canada, but not in an area that has the major "Canadian winters". My climate is similar to what you would find in Seattle.)

 

I have them (General Altimax Winters). They are worth it. I used to drive a Jeep so this is close as it gets without having AWD.

Telling you to burn your tires through summer and get all seasons is stupid.

 

All season tires are 3 season tires. They start to fail at 7 degrees celcius.
I have seen commercials on TV from the weather network saying this.
Snow tires have a softer compound for more traction in cold winter. I would prefer to drive around with a dedicated summer/rain tire and a set of winter tires. found this for you to read: Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires - Discount Tire

Stay away from winter tires that have holes for studs. They are cheaper and offer less traction unless you live in Alaska where you would add steel studs in to those holes.

 

You cannot operate a Mazda 5 in Alberta/Saskatchewan winters without four good snow tires. On my VW passat I swore by the Nordic Ice tires from Canadian Tire - great tires and not very expensive. I have some others I got through Kijiji with steel rims on right now, and they work, but not as good as the Nordics.
I cannot get traction at all without Winters. The Mazda 5 is so light on the front end that all-seasons cannot get any grip.
As far as the vehicle itself goes, I am really pleased. I wish the heated seats heated all of the seat - base and back - and not a small circel below the butt. Heated mirrors would be great as well.