The tire places tell you to put the deepest tread on the rear. They think all drivers are idiots who can't correct for oversteer. On FWD cars I always put the best tread in front. Better in both rain against hydroplaning, as well as snow.

You could try rotating the the tires front to back and see if anything changes. I'll take any excuse to buy nice new tires. I trust Michelin, Michelin, or Michelin. Maybe Pirelli. P7 AS are sticky yet nice for a quite cushy ride.

 

Tire salesmen are stuck in 1970 when all cars were rear wheel drive and had drum brakes and Michelin was the only radial tire (if you could afford them). I know, I was one.

 

I bought a pair of Michelins for my BMC Mini for $11.00 apiece in 1971. One of the very few FWD cars around. Unbelievable the depth of snow they could traverse.
They were 10" diameter.

 

Even when everyone jumped on the radial bandwagon, Michelin had a reputation for being the only reliable one. Apparently, they owned a patent that prevented delamination of steel belts that plagued early radials.

Never thought I'd want one of these but now I could use a fun tiny city car.

Seems sourcing tires might be a challenge. Maybe wheelbarrow tires?

 

I had a set of Michelin X tires on my 1974 Plymouth Valiant, a nice ride, good grip.

 

I think when the first set wore out we had Michelin X tires on our 65 Dodge Dart and I'm sure they were on the 64 Porsche.

 

Yeah I kinda like better tires on the drive wheels to put the car where it needs to go.... but there is so many pros and cons to everything, it all boils down to if you really know how to drive.
Ive used about every brand tires and steer clear of a few and some I really love. I had Michelins on my 78 camaro that hugged the road great and I liked them on a few other cars but they didnt do well on other cars. As for my trucks I like Cooper Discoverer STT Pro because they are very aggressive for out here in the mud, hauling and working off the pavement, excellent traction in rain and snow as well.... but they will rattle your fillings out on pavement. I forgot the name of the tires on the HHR but I really like their handling in rain/snow, first time I had them was on my 08 and now on the 09.... debating trying something else when i get a new set soon