Benefits of switching to winter tires
Benefits of switching to winter tires
Posted on December 4, 2021
The seasons are starting to change, and winter is coming up. It is time to dust off the thick winter coats and mittens and get ready to play in the snow and cuddle up in front of a warm fire. While many people look forward to this time of year, some drivers are less than thrilled when they start to see snow and ice covering the road. It is true that winter precipitation can cause the roadway to become more treacherous; however, there are a few steps that you can take to minimize the danger on slippery roadways.
One of the best things that you can do is to invest in a set of winter tires. Many people incorrectly believe that there are no benefits to having to having winter tires and that these types of tires are just the same as all-season tires. Both of those assumptions are false. Here is a look at what makes winter tires unique and why it is a good idea to have them on your vehicle this winter.
What are Winter Tires?
Winter tires have been specifically designed to maintain good traction in ice and snow. All tires are made of a soft, yet durable, rubber material. This flexibility of the tire is what makes t grip the road when it is travelling at high speeds. In the winter, the frigid cold temperatures can make the rubber hard and stiff which makes it lose its flexibility as well as its ability to grip the road.
Winter tires are made by using specialty rubber compounds that are able to stay flexible and soft in cold weather. Most winter tires are able to stay flexible in temperatures up to negative 40 degrees Celsius. Because they can grip the road better, there have been many studies that suggest that a vehicle can stop faster in the colder months when it has winter tires on.
Are Winter Tires Required in Canada?
Currently, Quebec Is the only province in Canada that requires drivers to have winter tires on their cars. In the rest of Canada, it is strongly recommended for drivers to have winter tires on their cars from December through January.
If you are having a hard time determining when you should put winter tires on your car, it may help to remember the seven-degree rule. Before the temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius, you should have winter tires on your car. Additionally, if the temperature rises above seven degrees - and is going to stay above 7 degrees for more than a month -- then it is time to replace your winter tires with another type of tire.
Where Can I Purchase a Set of Winter Tires?
If you are looking for a reliable set of winter tires, feel free to contact us today. At Country Hills Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, we have a wide selection of winter tires that can fit your needs and your budget.