• Winter driving can be treacherous, even with the best anti-lock brakes and traction control systems today's automakers have to offer. Dedicated winter tires have specialized tread that bites down into snow and ice, gripping the road and giving you better control over your car in winter conditions. They are also constructed with a softer rubber compound that allows them to stay more flexible and less prone to cracking or puncturing in cold temperatures.
  
  

Best Winter Tire

• According to ConsumerSearch.com, the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 wins the award for best all-around winter tire. With superior grip on ice and snow, durability, low-rolling resistance (better gas mileage) and a quiet ride, this is your best choice for safe winter travels. The Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is priced at around $95 per tire as of December 2009.
  
  

Best Budget Snow Tire

• ConsumerSearch.com rated the General Altimax Arctic the best budget snow tire, claiming it "performs better than snow tires costing twice as much." Costing $65 per tire, the General handles superbly on icy, snowy and wet roads, is durable and studdable for ultimate grip on ice.
  
  

Best Mild-Winter Performance Tire

• Even mild winters can yield icy conditions, especially when wet roads freeze overnight. ConsumerSearch.com rated the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 the best mild-winter performance tire, saying it has "earned more praise for snow-and-ice traction than any other performance winter tire." The Blizzak LM-60 is an updated model that claims improved traction on snow and ice with a better tread design and improved rubber compound. The Blizzak LM-60 costs around $145 per tire.
  
  

Best Studded Snow Tire

• Studs are the way to go when you want the absolute best grip on winter ice and snow. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 was given top ratings by Consumersearch.com as the best studded snow tire. This harsh-winter tire has metal teeth that grabs ice and snow and holds them for ransom. Severe winter conditions are no match for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5, which costs around $145 per tire.
  
  

Best SUV/Light Truck Winter Tire

• The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 replaces the popular Blizzak DM-Z3, and Consumersearch.com rates it as a "worthy successor" to its predecessor with improved grip and superior performance in harsh winter weather. The DM-Z3 is priced at around $135 per tire.