This is in the northwest side of IL. I have summer tires and blizzaks for the winter. I leave my summer tires, 225/45zr16 on my 1988 325IS all year long. There are some nice days here in the winter and I will drive it. My summer tires on my 1987 325E are stock 195/65sr14 and when winter hits (October to March) those come off and the 195/65hr14 (I think they are H's) go on. Have not gotten stuck yet in the winter and love the way they work.