Yes, winter tires do not allow one to drive as though it is summer. One should adjust speed, allow for more stopping/avoidance distance, etc. However. " your stopping is just as bad as if you had summer or all season rubber" O.K. That has been your experience. It has not been our experience. Perhaps more objectively, driven the same, tests on ice of summer vs. winter tires agree, winter tires provide a shorter stopping distance than summer tires. Bottom line, we reduce speed on ice and have found that just a few feet shorter stop can make the difference between a miss and a hit.
Under ice conditions, we also find our Blizzaks grip better in moderate cornering, they don't slip as much/don't run as wide, compared to our summer tires.
Be nice if you quoted what I said in full. I said " Winter tires will allow you to accelerate fairly decent on ice, but your stopping is just as bad as if you had summer or all season rubber." On Ice.
If you really care to disagree, that is fine, but I living in central Canada on the prairies where we have snow and ice 50% I can assure you winter tires do not made a difference on ice.
I have owned the following:
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
Bridgeston Blizzak WS-80
Michelin X-Ice
and currently sporting Goodyear UltraGrips on the 4runner.
Of them all, the Blizzaks did the best on ice, but barely. On snow, hard pack, the Blizzaks stop on a dime.
The Nokians were absolutely insane in heavy or deep snow. On snow, hard pack, the Nokians stop on a dime.
The Michelins were fine all around, but not outstanding in my experience. On snow, hard pack, the Michelins stop well.
The Goodyears are fantastic on snow, heavy snow on a hillside. On ice, no better or worse than the others. Approaching a red light a little quick and yes, you will definitely be sliding. And again, on snow, hard pack, the Goodyears stop on a dime.
