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I have only had to drive in untreated snow twice, once it was less than an inch and amongst the cars I saw in the ditch included a Subaru Outback.
I have also driven on a couple inches of ice/snowmelt, but was the only driver out on the road and this was two days after the snow stopped.
Both times were in a stock compact sedan with factory tires.
This winter I will be needing my snow shovel more than half a dozen times, so will snow tires be enough for my family minivan and commuter sedan if all the drivers in my house are attentive and the cars are in good mechanical shape, or is it time to get new cars?
Good snow tires make an amazing difference in snow handling over all-season tires, and especially over summer tires.
I live in Maine. I've driven plenty of winters with all-season tires, and then I bought a car from a lady that already had studded snow tires mounted. I will never again drive in winter without them. Here's a few good videos that show the real difference.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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It doesn't matter what tires or how many wheels are powered, there are situations where people are going to be in the ditch. Most of the time it's caused by someone else, or just trying to go when conditions are even bad for chains on, such as we had one year. It snowed, melted to slush, refroze, then snowed again. Inch of snow on 2" of ice and nothing but hills to go anywhere.
Another is freezing rain. Work from home or take the day off.
It doesn't matter what tires or how many wheels are powered, there are situations where people are going to be in the ditch. Most of the time it's caused by someone else, or just trying to go when conditions are even bad for chains on, such as we had one year. It snowed, melted to slush, refroze, then snowed again. Inch of snow on 2" of ice and nothing but hills to go anywhere.
Another is freezing rain. Work from home or take the day off.
I am pretty sure these rally cross tires would cut it on that day
Snow tires, AWD, 4x4, it's all good stuff, but the most important thing is the person behind the wheel. It's all about having experience and proper mindset.
The less braking you have to perform the better. I was driving a Accord with All-seasons in 4-6" of snow on top of ice. I basically skated on the road with the car, once you get the car moving at a decent speed and just steer the car and don't brake much. Luckily there wasn't any car on the road and I was able to get back home.
Snow tires, AWD, 4x4, it's all good stuff, but the most important thing is the person behind the wheel. It's all about having experience and proper mindset.
That's it in a nutshell, once saved going into the ditch after a corner because I punched it. A lot of people aren't going to have that reaction. Another time hit a very icy bridge on the Interstate, there was actually one car in the ditch after it. That required steady gas and minor corrections on the steering wheel. Skated right across it, was a bit lucky there because we ended up a little into the other lane but no one was in it. A good idea is to find an open lot after snow fall and try and push the car, learn how it reacts and what is going to happen in different conditions. I used to play in the snow all the time when I was young, both vehicles and quads.
I think when making the choice between snow tires and just leaving the all seasons on you need to consider your area and your driving skills. With moderate snow fall, front wheel drive(especially if it has traction control) and moderate driving skills most drivers should be fine. We get a lot a little snow falls here, 10 inches is a lot and perhaps once a year. More frequent is the 2 or 3 inches 3 times a week. The roads are usually cleared pretty quick so I don't bother with the snow tires. I know if I lived in area with a lot of snow I'd have 4 wheel drive, snow tires and set of chains in the trunk.
Yes, they are generally enough, although I wouldn't want to live in Buffalo, NY or some other places without an AWD at the least.
AWD/4WD help you go, help you track straighter and not loose control of the car as long as your foot is on the gas. They stop working when you take your foot off the gas and try to brake, etc.
Snow tires help you grip and stop. So, your AWD Subaru is great, but when you take your foot off the brake, you still slide.
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