Capitulation.

That is the Beetle and those are a set of Gislaved snow tyres.

The all season tyres on the car were worn out. The dealer had a promotional price on snow tyres. I stopped fighting the force of history and got a set. Since the Element also has snow tyres on black steel wheels we now have eight stylish wheels with bald tyres that'll need replacing in the Spring. For the moment though we're stuck firmly on the road.