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Winter tires and a full gas tank will come in handy during a snowstorm. Shopping for winter tires doesn’t have to be complicated or frustrating. Follow along as we walk you through the ins and outs of buying winter tires in Canada!
Winter tires have a rubber strip with high grip properties and a tread pattern that digs into snow. It’s important to remember that winter tires offer much better traction than all-season or all-weather tires. With a significantly higher tire thread block count, you’ll also notice an improvement in tire grip, which translates into improved stability at higher speeds. These qualities give you better control and safety on the road.
All-weather tires are designed for year-round use for mild winter, heavy rain and snowfall. All-season tires are suitable for warm, dry and wet conditions year-round. However, if you live where it snows a lot, you will want winter tires. All-season tires should be more than adequate if you live where there’s no snow.
Winter tires are made of materials with a hard rubber layer that can be made with different rubber compounds. They also have treads, grooves or channels cut into the rubber that help provide traction. Tire traction index measures how well a tire grips the road on wet pavement and tire grip refers to how much power it takes to get your car going after it has stopped because of slippery conditions.
The most common material for winter tires is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This material is available in many grades and is often combined with other materials to make a more lasting tire. EPDM-rubber tires tend to wear faster than tires made with natural rubber or polyester because they are less durable.
If you live in a cold climate, the best time to buy winter tires is when the temperatures start to drop. Overall, try to purchase winter tires at least two months before winter sets in, and the snow comes.
When buying new winter tires, ensure you know your vehicle type and what kind of winter weather your area sees. All-season tires might be a better choice if you live in a climate with mild winter weather, as they are versatile for different weather conditions. You should always consult a professional when you need new tires.
Winter tires are made of a different rubbercompound than all-season tires, and they should be replaced every few years, depending on the age and type of tire. Keep your tires properly inflated, rotate them for even wear, and once the winter season is over, store them in a cool and dark place (you can use plastic bags for each tire).
If you don’t have winter tires on your vehicle, you could be putting yourself in danger – and breaking the law! British Columbia and Quebec have mandatory winter tire laws. Check your winter tires’ provincial requirements before hitting the road.
