Before tires (2010) winter: skidded twice while braking and cornering almost crashing both times. Also got stuck once while following tracks on snowy/icy path.
After tires (2011) winter: we were in birmingham when it snowed like crazy and it was a dream!!! On fresh deep snow (about 6 inches) didn't even get a light on the dash - just no drama driving, up hills, down hills, accelerating, stopping, turning. We had to take untrodden hilly roads because the main roads were blocked due to skidding cars.
So absolutely overjoyed with the purchase. Only 2 things to bear in mind: 1) other people might not be able to stop behind you, so watch your back and consider veering to the side if emergency braking, or better still just find a clear road where no-one else dares to go! 2) deep slush on motorways were not fun - there's grip from the tires on the top layer, but there's just slush all the way down about 3-4 inches so it gets very dodgy - don't do it at speed!
I suspect the tires will outlast the car, so I'll be looking for a car with the same tire size!!!

