Will winter tyres prevent my Nissan X-Trail from skidding on ice?

I have a Nissan X-Trail 4x4 which is fine in the snow but skids on ice in the winter. Would winter tyres reduce the skidding and should they be used when the car is in 4-wheel-drive?

Asked on 13 November 2010 by RK, Ipswich

Answered by Honest John
Yes. Winter tyre compounds are suitable for temperatures below 8 degrees. Best fitted to a separate set of rims and used on the car from November to March. They greatly reduce braking distances on snow and on wet roads at below 8 degrees centigrade.
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