looking for a good winter tire in the PNW - specifically for seattle and vancouver bc. what do you guys use?

light snow, heavy rain, low(er) temperatures. most of my driving will be on the freeway.

i just moved up socal so i've been on ultra summer tires... winter tires are new to me. LOL.

 

Light snow in Canada? What do you consider "light?"

Cont. DWS's get my vote: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....emeContact+DWS

 

Snow tires are typically made with wide gaps in the tread to increase traction during snowy conditions. Upon getting your car ready for Winter, remember what problems you had last year.

 

DWS are good *all-season* tires, but won't hold a candle to dedicated winter tires in the white stuff. I run on Dunlop WinterSport M3 and 3D in the snowy months here in RI/MA, awesome in the snow.

 

I picked up some general altimax I have heard good things about them.

 

I swear by Brigdestone Blizzaks. Did 4 winters on them in my S2000 here in Colorado.

 

For the PNW I would consider the Continental ExtremeContact DWS, they are perfect for the conditions you describe (light snow, heavy rain, low(er) temperatures). If you were in an area with heavy snow dedicated snow tires would be the way to go.

I use Continental ExtremeContact DWS as my non-summer tires, and they perform very well. That said, I don't drive my care when the salt starts to fly, so I don't have a lot of experience with them on snow covered roads. People who have driven them in snow speak highly of them.