RE: Snow Tires

Optimum year-round traction is best achieved with 4 tires that are identical in tread design and as close as possible in treadwear (another reason to rotate tires on a regular basis). 190E's are not the king of the road on ice. Don't play around with worn tires on this car. For those who insist on only using 2 snow tires in winter, well, pick your poison. Put them on the rear and end up grille-first in the snowbank. Put them on the front (especially on pre-ABS vehicles) and watch how the increased front wheel traction coupled with the relative absence of good lateral traction from the back tires causes the car to fishtail or spinout entirely when you try to brake firmly on a slippery surface. I would rather tackle an icy road on 4 all-seasons than with a mix of snow and summer tires. Having driven through 26 fun-filled mountain winters, I've been there, done that, and have learned my lessons.

My family owned a 190E 2.3 for several years. Even with four Vredesteins on the rims, it was never anyone's first pick to drive after a snowstorm!