Your getting some good advise already and just so you know, the grinding sound is the ABS system pumping your breaks. Also, shifting into neutral will deffinitely stop you better on ice as you have no push from the rear tires. Crossfire LTD is right! Sounds goofy, but it will stop you sooner. The all season Continentals will get you threw but the Blizzaks will make the winter wonderland more fun.