Around my section of the globe, winter has hit the landscape rather quickly. A day ago, it was warm and sunny, now there's 3 or four inches blanketing the countryside. I'm not unprepared for the snow. I am currently running Nokian Hakkapaliitta's on 15" steel rims. These rims are unfortunately as old as the car (which is going on 8 winters), and are beginning to show their wear. Functionally speaking, they are fine but they just don't suit the car asthetically. Can anyone make any sound footed recommendations about alloys? Are they preferable in the snow to steel or do they decrease roadhandling capability? Being the winter, I am foremost concerned with safety here, and doing 180s and e-brake turns in the parkinglot after hours comes second.