Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 replaces the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 (*Est. $90 on closeout), which earned more praise for snow-and-ice traction than any other performance winter tire. However, this class of tires is designed for mild winters, and testers in severe winter areas of Canada and Sweden have found fault with the LM-25's winter grip in the past. Critics expect the LM-60 will do better, thanks to its improved rubber compound and tread design. Still, these tires are meant to maximize a car's capability in cold and dry or cold and wet weather. If you need a workhorse tire to slog through snow and ice, experts say a severe winter tire like the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $95) is a better bet.

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 had just replaced the Blizzak LM-25 as of this update, and few sources had tested the new version. Experts at TireRack.com have, however, and they highly recommend the Blizzak LM-60 based on the results. Two nonprofit consumer groups -- ConsumerReports.org and Canada's Automobile Protection Association (APA) -- base their recommendations on tests of the Blizzak LM-25. No owners had yet posted reviews of the Blizzak LM-60 atTireRack.com or Epinions.com, but we expect plenty of reviews at TireRack.com once owners try their new LM-60s on winter roads.