Don't drive in the snow in New England without them if you absolutely have to get where you are going and there's snow on the road..I've been using (cheap) Dunlop Graspics ($50 each from tirerack as I recall) for 4 years now from Dec to March on dedicated bundt wheels. They aren't hi-tech (and are less than 1/2 worn) but have an aggressive block pattern. I use bags of water softener crystals for weight since I already have them. Add 100-150 lbs in the trunk stacked as far forward as possible (or more if there's really deep snow), keep a full tank of fuel, and the results are amazing. Once the roads are cleared, take the weight out. I haven't got stuck yet and I've commuted long distances in all sorts of winter conditions. Even experimented on some dirt hills in the backyard with 300lbs of weight in the trunk and 8" of snow on the ground and couldn't believe the traction and climbing ability.


MikeL