Winter tires are one of those investments that many of us dread come December. You just emptied out your savings account for a used car, or took out a school year worth of loans for a new ride, and the last thing you want to do is fork over another $500.

They're cruicial though if you want to help reduce your chances of getting into an accident though. You need a set of snow tires that can help you get going, turn, and stop when you want to.

If you're going to keep your car for a few years, we recommend buying a good set of winter tires that will help you beat those disastrous ice storms and get you up the hills on your way to classes, home, or around town.

Getting them installed on steel rims is a great investment too, making installation a half-hour procedure in the winter and spring.

Using TireRack.com and ConsumerResearch.com, we've compiled some information on winter tires that have gotten rave reviews from drivers that have them on their cars. The TireRack also says it's fine to go down an inch on the inner tire diameter to reduce costs.

 

We've also picked out tires that offer the best money to winter-performance ratio on some popular cars. Luckily, the best rated tires are not the most expensive.

Top-Rated Tires
1. Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 and X-Ice Xi2
2. Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 or LM-25
3. General Altimax Arctic
4. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
5. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice

 

2009 Scion tC
1. Michelin X-Ice Xi2 ($102.00)
2. Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 ($106.00)
3. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ($112.00)

 

2003 Honda Civic LX
1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 ($73.00)
2. Michelin X-Ice Xi2 ($76.00)
3. Pirelli Winter Carving ($72.00)

2005 Mazda3 s 4-door
1. General Altimax Arctic ($78.00)
2. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ($93.00)
3. Bridgestone Blizzak WS60 ($107.00)