We promise that we’re not shills for Big Tire, what with our constant pushing of the benefits of winter tires. There simply isn’t any denying that winter tires enhance vehicle control and safety when temperatures fall below 45 degrees. Even all-season tires’ performance deteriorates at lower temperatures, whereas winter-specific rubber compounds maintain grip in the dry and winter tires’ tread patterns help grip in snow and ice. We fit all of our long-term test cars (and personal vehicles) with winter tires. So it’s good news to us that Fiat-Chrysler’s Mopar parts division is releasing winter-tire packages for several vehicles, with more being added in the future.

To us, Mopar’s new winter-tire kit, which come mounted and balanced (including tire-pressure sensors) on sweet steel wheels, are something of a revelation. While it’s somewhat common in Snow Belt states for individual dealers to offer winter-tire packages, not to mention tire retailers, a full-line automaker officially offering sets through its parts catalog?and across its entire dealer network?is certainly uncommon. In fact, in our digging, the only similar offerings we could find are from Audi and Tesla Motors. In the former’s case, Audi customers can order Dunlop winter tires (fitted to factory Audi rims) as a dealer accessory, with prices ranging from $2300?$3300 per set of four. Tesla Model S buyers have the option to buy a set of 19-inch wheels ...