Why Winter Tires?
Winter Tire Buyer's Checklist
To ensure your safety and that of your passengers, it's essential to equip your vehicle with tires suited for winter driving conditions applicable to your area. Whether you reside in urban or rural areas or drive a compact car or a larger vehicle, winter conditions can significantly affect your vehicle's performance.
When choosing a set of winter tires, consider your specific driving needs. Here are a few good questions to ask yourself before buying new winter tires:
- Do you live where cold temperatures are common?
- Do you drive on icy or snowy roads?
- Do you have to use your vehicle every day, regardless of the weather?
- Do you drive off main streets and roads in winter?
- Do you drive early in the morning or late at night in winter?
- Do you drive nearly the same speed regardless of the temperature?
Consider your anticipated amount of winter driving, driving behaviours, local road conditions, and the safety and performance standards you require from both your vehicle and its tires.
It's worth noting that Transport Canada and The Rubber Association of Canada advise installing winter tires on all wheels.
Engage in a discussion with your local car dealership regarding your driving patterns and the specific winter road conditions you encounter. This will aid in selecting the most suitable winter tires for your needs.
The Benefits of Winter Tires
As temperatures drop, tire rubber typically stiffens, affecting traction. However, modern winter tires retain their elasticity even in extreme cold, withstanding temperatures as low as -30°C and below. This resilience ensures enhanced traction and grip, promoting safer driving.
Contemporary winter tire designs excel in snowy environments and exhibit improved performance on cold, dry pavement. It's important to note that when temperatures plummet to the point where you can see your breath, it's a clear indication that it's time to switch to winter tires.
While investing in appropriate tires is crucial, it's essential to adjust your driving style according to prevailing road conditions, irrespective of the type of tires you use.
Maximize Your Fuel Efficiency
Maintaining the correct tire inflation pressure enhances fuel efficiency. If tires are under-inflated by 20%, fuel consumption can rise by as much as 4%, resulting in the expenditure of up to two weeks' worth of extra fuel annually.
Each 5-degree Celsius change in temperature, your tire pressure can change from 1 to 2 psi. By checking your tire pressure monthly, you will:
For more advanced statistics and other helpful facts about winter tires, be sure to visit BeTireSmart.ca. Learn more about what tires are right for your vehicle, how to maintain your tires, and even get insightful guidance on how to drive on snowy and icy roads.
- Reduce the risk of tire damage
- Decrease stopping distances
- Increase fuel economy
- Improve vehicle handling
- Increase tire service life
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Who Should Buy Winter Tires?
Even in areas with regular snow removal and for drivers of SUVs, equipping winter tires on all wheels is crucial for enhancing surface grip across various road conditions, particularly when temperatures drop below 7°C.
While all-season tires can deliver safe performance in diverse weather conditions, winter tires excel as temperatures decrease.
The latest winter tire models boast significantly improved winter traction, often surpassing all-season tires by up to 50% or more.