Are there any tires that really work well on snow and summer time?
I live in New Jersey and we really do get some snow during the winter time.

Is it true that snow tires suck in the summer time and they are louder and have less grip?

 

no

You should get one set of summer and one set of winter tires.

All-season tires are not as good as summer tires in the spring, summer or fall and are not as good as winter tires in the winter.

Summer tires suck in the winter and all season tires are so-so in the winter.

 

I agree with Rai. I picked up a set of used snow tires on rims for $600 during the summer. Shop around carefully and you can find a deal. If not, tirerack.com.

As far as snow tires sucking in the summer and being louder, my Blizzak WS-50s were not louder but they definitely don't have the grip of the summer RE050s (obviously). You also want your snow tires to be narrower than the summer tires, another reason why you lose grip.

Bottom line...summer tires for the summer and winter tires for the winter is the best way to go.

 

The grip of my Blizzak LM-25 tires is not too bad. One reason for not driving them year round is wear. Winter tires generally have soft compounds.