Continental ContiWinterContact TS810

For mild climates, where winter days are likely to be rainy or dry, experts recommend the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810. This performance winter tire consistently impresses testers on wet and dry roads, showing more agility than top-ranked traditional winter tires such as the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (*Est. $90). Reviewers say the TS810 holds its own on ice and snow, although it doesn't measure up to traditional winter tires -- or to some other performance winter tires that are geared more toward ice and snow, including the Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 (*Est. $90), Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D (*Est. $85), or Dunlop Grandtrek WT M2 for SUVs and light trucks (*Est. $215). The TS810 also has a high rolling resistance, which can translate into lower gas mileage.

Consumer Reports conducts objective, thorough tests of the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810, but you must be a subscriber to read the report. Tests at Sweden's Auto Motor & Sport are just as rigorous, but they are available only for a fee -- and only in Swedish. A Google translation gives a choppy but understandable rendition of the German winter tire comparison tests at Auto Zeitung. John Mahler of the Toronto Star lists the TS810 among his top winter tire picks, but he provides no specific test data. Consumers rate the TS810 at TireRack.com, where results are displayed in easy-to-read charts.