opodden wrote:

I finally took the plunge and replaced my winter tyres. I have been running the Pirelli Scorpion Snow & Ice 255/60R18, which is a very good studless tyre. But where I live we very often have snow or ice covered roads, and when it rains there is nothing that can compete with studded (spiked) tyres. So I bought a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta SUV 5 in 275/60R18. The tyre is stupidly expensive, with a recommended retail price of NOK 5100 (£ 490) each!

Luckily I got a good deal, and I really don't regret it. The difference is massive! Earlier on very slippery surfaces, the ABS would kick in very early due to the lack of friction and it was very difficult to stop even from very slow speed. Now I feel much more confident because the tyres will grip under all circumstances. I haven't measured the difference in stopping length, but it has to be reduced by something like 20-30% on water covered ice. This is a highly recommended modification to everyone who drives often in winter conditions with a lot of ice. The stability on normal roads is excellent, and the difference in road noise is not very noticable.