I made a post about this in the Expedition forums but didn't get any responses yet. And I want to check out my new Indiana brethren since you guys definitely have experience with this .

Over the past few days I've had a few scary experiences. With the ice storms that's went acrossed, I had to drive through the heart of it, driving 10mph on an interstate because you can't see ect ect. The tires I have now are LT rated General Grabber HTS All Season tires. They have 38k miles on them, and they are 50k rated, they are definitely getting due for replacement, though their dry performance is still pretty awesome.

What I'm thinking is if i get snow tires now, then I can probably run them to april here, then go back to the all seasons, then back to the snows for a second winter, then get new all seasons in 2013. I run alot of miles for work (about 12k just work related, not including personal) so good tires are a must.

My question is, are they worth the $$. My fiances ranger has brand new Yokohoma snow tires that came from the previous owners with 240lbs of sand in the back, and her truck drive MULTITUDES better than mine. I can hardly launch from an intersection with less than 5 seconds of ice spin (down in 1st, light light throttle). Her's is very surefooted in the snow. But my thought is..can you really make a 7k lb beast drive any better? (lots of work equipment always in the back). As tall as it sits, it throws alot of weight in corners and stops, is it a pipe dream to stop from 30mph to 0 in under 200ft? (that's what it currently takes on a freshly powdered road, lots of waiting and ABS pulsing). Are snow tires really that wonderful?

I'm considering Michelin X-ICE2 and Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1. Both with all services included will probably run between 850-1100$ for a set. Is it worth it, and is it reasonable to expect 2 winters out of them at probably 4k miles per winter season (maybe up to 6k in a winter season.)

Guide me please wise ones. This displaced GA boy is new to the game .
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I may get barbecued for this, but I don't like to slide on the road and I drive through 3 counties including the very hilly Brown County. I wear Winterforce with studs on all 4 corners on my dd in the winter. People that have never had ice picks DO NOT need to chime in on their effectiveness.

I know some that have the Winterforce tires without studs and like them very well. They are siped very well and are quite soft. I'm on my 4th winter and they have just over 15k on them with enough for a few more years. Prolly will get around 30-40k I'd say, which is good for a very soft tire.

Winterforce UV: Bridgestone Tires

 

Today I love my ice picks! Paid for........again.

 

firestone winterforce!!! or cooper discoverer M+S thats all i run. but mine are studded.