Snow Tires

Winter tire information

If you live in an area that experiences harsh winters, winter tires are essential for driving. Most drivers don’t realize that the chance of accident is reduced when using winter tires on your car during a snowy, icy driving season, even if you drive a 4x4. This is because snow tires allow you to get a better grip on the road – deeper grooves dig into and grip icy roads better than all-season tires. If you’re heading into winter, consider snow tires for your car.

Many people decide to leave their all season tires on their car through the winter, but this can be dangerous. All-season tires tend to lose elasticity when it gets really cold, preventing them from reaching their full traction capacity. Winter tires are made of special compounds that allow them full elasticity, even in the coldest temperatures. As well, winter tires have deeper grooves and blocks that allow them to fill with snow yet still grip the road safely.

If you are going to change your tires over to winter tires, the best time to do it is before it snows, in October or November. Don’t forget to also change to winter rims – you won’t have to mount or dismount your tires at the end of the season, reducing the wear and tear on your all season tire rims. Car snow tires should, like other tires, be checked for pressure. Tires lose 1 pound of pressure per 5-degree drop, so you should check pressure when the tire is already cold, and properly inflate as needed.

If you live in extremely harsh winter conditions, you may want to consider buying studded snow tires. These tires have small specialized rubber compounds and traction enhancers built right into them. Before you buy them, however, check the laws in your area – there may be rules about studded tires and the use of tire chains.

Winter tires allow you to have peace of mind when driving in harsh snow and ice conditions. Don’t slip off the road this year – fit your car with snow tires and keep your car on the road.

Why Are Winter Tires Essential for Winter Driving?

  • Winter tires grip the road better than all season tires – they have stronger compounds that won’t break down in cold weather.
  • They are equipped with deeper grooves and blocks to better retain traction.

Things to Consider When Buying Winter Tires

  • How much do you want to spend on winter tires?
  • Will you need studded tires or winter tire rims?

Top Winter Tire Brands

  • Goodyear tires
  • Michelin tires
  • Bridgestone tires