Like the great 20th century poet, GI Joe, once said: Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

By smaller footprint for winter. I mean a narrower tire. They're much better at cutting through snow and slush. You should see them on World Rally cars where the idea is taken to the extreme and they end up looking like motorcycle tires. Of course with a nutty amount of studs on the surface, but the idea is the same. Smaller tire also equals less now build-up in the wheel well.

Snow is one thing. Ice is a completely different affair. AWD, traction control, special compound tires, sure they all help and are better than stock, but no guarantees on ice. You should know G, you're well versed in the properties of friction (off-side remark about the Civic's offroad adventures). :) *Tuan quickly runs realizes starting a flame war with a "safety" certifier packing heat... is a bad idea.*

Mingus, you had me on the wrong assumption. If traction is not a problem, then you definitely need a Yugo - a true winter beater. :) No better yet! A Dyna... <Ming reaches out and chokes Tuan> ACCKKK...

I just clued in about the "back from the shop" line. Did your car have a nasty encounter?