I bought a MazdaSpeed 3 just a few weeks ago.... and those summer tires were fear inducing on even the light film of snow that we had before the big stuff arrived. However, the next day the dealer installed the winter wheels and tires that came with the deal and this car has been flying through all the thick stuff! It's even great up snow covered hills (like heading south on Beck Road before 8 mile) while the Explorers are spinning sideways or turning around.