I’ve been discussing this topic to death over the past decade on various forums. It all comes down to your geological location and expectations. I have OEM summer only 20’s and Pirelli Ice/Snows on 19”s for the winter.

I got caught off guard like so many others here in North New Jersey on Saturday with an unexpected snow storm. I had to drive from East Hanover to Ridgefield (about 26 miles) with my summer onlys. A majority of the driving was on flat side roads, Rt. 80 to Rt. 46. On the highways everyone was driving around 40 or so and I felt somewhat confident at that speed. Keep in mind that I have 22K on my X5 and my tires have seen better days. So far so good, I get off the highways and then hit my local streets in route to my house. This is where I knew it would get interesting.

My neighborhood has some serious elevation changes. In just 5 or 6 blocks you can go from 280’ above sea level to 40’! I was going down a hill with my summer only 20’s during a snow storm I had no chance. Going down the hill at about 2mph no traction, the ABS was engaged the entire time, I was on and off the break, nothing. I went through a stop sign, luckily there was no one in my path or else it would have been bad. When my snows are on my X5 I don’t have to think twice about anything, I can accelerate, break and maneuver with the best of them.

My point being is that you read these posts and suddenly have “faith” in something just because a small handful of people lucked out in their environment, on that day - think again and ask questions. Elevation, temp, miles on tires... Does one diet work for everyone? No.

Me, I live in a hilly area of NJ, travel the state often for work and have two toddlers. I EXPECT my vehicle to be safe at all times. You can bet that I’ll ALWAYS use dedicated winter tires for this and every future SUV I’ll ever own. Why chance it?

If you wouldn’t run an all season on a race track, why would you run one in the snow? Just saying…

Safe Driving!

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2011 X5 50i Titanium Silver, Full black nappa, bamboo, premium, sport, 20's, tech, prem. sound, comfort..
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2006 BMW X5 4.8is - SILVER - SOLD - Pic page
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