In alt.autos.ford.focus paulmbedard@earthlink.net:
[..]

Sure, it should be obvious that brakes/tires are the most
critical parts of your car. For unknown reasons many people don't
get that, like with winter tires, as they think that they somehow
manage to climb up a hill with summer tires. That might work but
isn't critical at all. What does happen if you aren't able to
drive uphill? Nothing, but what will happen on the other side,
downhill if you can't brake probably, because your summer tires
suck on cold/icy roads? You'll get into serious trouble and
might crash into something.;(

Same with brakes, if your car doesn't start, bad but nothing will
happen, other then you feel like an idiot sitting in your shinny
car not moving at all. On the other hand, if brakes don't
function as designed you'll have serious problems soon and might
hurt yourself/passengers and other people on the road. In
addition insurance might make problems if it's mentioned that the
crash happened for no other reason then you were to stingy to fix
your broken brakes.

Good luck

[..]