Tire Question -- All Seasons Vs. Snow Tires?

[RobertInOntario]

Well, I guess you can ask about anything here, so I have a car tire question!

My wife & I have two cars -- a 1998 Honda Civic and 2003 Subaru Legacy. I think both could do with a set of new tires, especially now that winter is around the corner.

I'll start with the Honda first. In Dec. 2006, we bought a new set of all-season radials for it. At that time, the Honda had about 140,000 km on it (about 87,000 miles). It now has about 186,000 km on it. Just recently, when I start off fast when the pavement is wet, I its front wheels spin easily -- this makes me think that it could do with new tires. Even last winter, it wasn't that great in the snow.

I realize that I bought these tires less than 3 years ago but I'm thinking of getting new all-season radials as an option instead of snow tires.

It's a similar situation with the Subaru. It's about 7 years old & I can't quite remember when we bought new all-season radials for it. But, last winter, we actually got stuck in the snow a couple times with it -- which is really embarrassing with a Subaru! When the car was new (and had new tires) this practically never happened.

So, is this a good/sensible option -- to go for a new set of all-seasons rather than snow tires? Is it also "normal" to replace all-seasons for the Honda in only 3 years (especially if you're using them as an alternate to snow tires)?

Also, FYI, we do a lot of our driving in Toronto but do frequently drive into the country, in the winter, where good tires are crucial.

Thanks,
Rob