As we brace ourselves for one of the snowiest winters, you may be thinking about how your daily commute will be affected. Are your tires up to the test? Let’s face it: winter tires can be pricey. On the same note, they are mandatory for being safe in the winter. So, are you still on the fence about whether your car needs the upgrade? Have you always wanted to know more about your winter investment? Let’s take a look at some of the most asked questions about winter tire maintenance.
How do winter tires work?
Winter or snow tires are designed for prolonged winter conditions, including snow, ice, and slush. The tread compounds in those tires stay softer and more flexible in cold weather. Winter tires have a deeper tread depth than summer tires to allow for the snow and slush to escape, keeping your wheel closer to the road. The deeper tread also creates a much better grip on ice!
When the weather drops below 7°C (45°F), winter tires come in handy. They do a better job of sticking to the asphalt, thus improving acceleration. This will also help improve your braking distance, making your drive much safer.
Can I keep them on all year long?
When it comes to winter tire maintenance, you should only use winter tires in the winter, as they are not designed for the mild conditions of other seasons (above seven degrees Celsius). If you choose to keep them on past the winter, the tread will wear out much faster than normal, which will result in you having to spend more money, sooner. As mentioned above, winter tires are an investment, so they should be treated as such. By taking off your winter tires during the warmer seasons, you increase their longevity greatly!
Should I get them for my SUV? What if I have AWD?
Despite the rugged design of most modern SUVs, they still require winter tires to maintain proper traction in slippery conditions. As mentioned above, the tread compounds in winter tires stay softer and more flexible in cold weather. They have a deeper tread depth than summer tires to allow more space for the snow and slush to escape, improving controllability.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada indicate that even all-wheel drive vehicles need winter tires for safe driving in the winter. Their jointly published infographic on safe winter driving is a great resource.
What is the difference between winter and all-season tires?
When the temperature drops below seven degrees Celsius, the rubber compounds used in all-season tires get hard and slippery and give up traction. Though all-season tires are acceptable in light snow, winter tires have superior starting, stopping, and cornering ability in temperatures below 7°C, as proven by Consumer Reports.
When do I put winter tires on in Ontario?
Summer to Winter: When is the best time to switch over to winter tires? The general rule of thumb is that between Thanksgiving and Easter, you’ll need winter tires. These holidays are common markers to examine your need for winter tires. They fall during the start and end of the time of year when it’s likely that the temperature will regularly be at or below 7°C. Compounds used in winter and summer tires begin to lose the ability to do what they were designed to do, so swap them when temperatures hit that mark to promote proper winter tire maintenance. By changing over to your winter tires earlier, you can make sure you prevent any last-minute rushes, which could result in dangerous situations!
When should I take my winter tires off in Ontario?
Winter to Summer: Deciphering when to switch back and remove your winter tires can be tricky. This is especially the case when our weather in Canada can be so tempermental. Generally, you’re going to want to change your tires back to all-seasons or summer tires when the daily temperatures stay above 7°C for more than just a day. More often than not, this is around early to mid-April in most provinces. This change maximizes both the performance and longevity of your summer tires.
Timing these changes correctly will not only keep you safe throughout the seasons, but also enhance your driving experience and the durability of your tires. If you live in a province that has less dramatic seasonal shifts, all-weather tires may offer you a more convenient year-round solution. With this in mind, seasonal swaps are still recommended for optimal performance, durability and safety.
Should I get two or four winter tires for my vehicle?
Transport Canada recommends installing the same brand and model of winter tires on all four wheels to maximize control and stability. This also aids in winter tire maintenance because it will help them last longer, as they will wear out evenly.
Some believe four winter tires can be better than four all-season tires. This is partially true; however, the report does conclude that it can have serious consequences, such as:
- If you were to mount two winter tires in the front, you would feel secure traction going into a corner, but as forces start shifting through the turn, your back end may not be able to keep up and could cause you to spin out.
- if you mount two tires on the rear of your vehicle, you may have better acceleration with a rear-wheel drive vehicle (RWD), but the non-winter tires in the front may not be able to grip enough to direct the car around a turn, and you could end up in a ditch.
However, if you can only afford to install two winter tires, the general rule is that you want them on your rear wheels, regardless of whether the vehicle is FWD, RWD, or AWD.
Should I downsize my winter tires?
Many drivers downsize for winter tires because smaller tires cost less to purchase. However, the overall circumference must stay within a few percentage points of the original. According to Tire Rack, narrower tires are better in deep snow as they can slice through snow more easily. So, you can use a rim and tire that are slightly narrower than your summer tires. Check with your mechanic or licensed professional for more information on downsizing, including choosing the proper size.
What pressure should winter tires be?
Tire pressure is determined by the vehicle, not by the tire. The recommended tire pressure for your car is on the information sticker inside the driver’s door and in your owner’s manual. For winter driving in colder temperatures, several manufacturers recommend that you inflate your tires three to five pounds per square inch of air pressure higher than your car’s recommended level for summer driving. The recommended tire pressure is typically between 30 and 35 PSI. Anything less will affect fuel economy and how the vehicle handles.
How often should you check air pressure?
As with any tire, check the air pressure once a month. Be sure to check the pressure when your tires are cold since pressure increases after driving. Keeping your tires at the right pressure is important so that the tire performs as it should and so that the tires wear evenly. An overinflated tire will wear faster in the middle of the tread, while an underinflated tire will wear faster on the outside of the tread.
Rotating tires: How often should it happen?
Tires should be rotated when installed each season or every 8,000 to 10,000 km. If storing your own or changing them yourself, be sure to use a tire pen or marker to mark where they were on the car before you store them.
How should tires be stored?
Place the tires in a cool, dry location. A basement or climate-controlled space works best, whereas a standard garage, shed, or attic often sees a wide range of hot and cold temperatures, as well as precipitation and humidity. Make sure to store your tires away from things like electric motors, furnaces, switches, and sump pumps because they are sources of ozone.
If possible, store tires vertically rather than stacking them horizontally to reduce stress and tire distortion. Also, place them on a piece of clean wood rather than directly on the ground.
How long do winter tires last?
With proper winter tire maintenance, rotation, and storage, you can expect them to last four to five seasons or 30,000 to 40,000 km if you drive the Canadian average of 20,000 to 25,000 km per year and use them four months per year. Ensuring you have them put on/taken off when the temperature crosses the 7°C mark will greatly help longevity. Tires should be inspected regularly once they are five years old and should not be used at all after they are over 10 years old.
Are winter tires worth the cost?
While the initial investment in the tires may seem a bit steep, after factoring in all installation and maintenance costs, you will see that having two sets of tires that both last for six to eight years (each used 50% of the year) isn’t much more than only having one set of tires that’s used 100% of the time and last three to five years. You also get peace of mind during the winter driving season, meaning the benefits of that far outweigh the additional cost for many drivers.
Is it a good idea to buy used winter tires?
This option will take some time and research, but it can pay off. You must know what you’re looking for regarding winter tire brands and sizes. Looking for lightly used snow tires could save you about half of the money you’d typically spend on brand-new tires. It is important to keep in mind that not all winter tires may be compatible with your ride. When people find this out, they will often post them for re-sale, which is a win for you! It is a good idea to check the tires’ tread for yourself and not trust the description given by the seller. Using the Toonie Test can help you determine the wear-and-tear of the tires and the rim fit.
Put the outside edge of the toonie in your tire’s tread
- If the tread reaches the bear’s paws, your tires are probably pretty new.
- They’re about 50% worn if it reaches all the way across.
- If your tire tread reaches only about halfway into the letters, it’s time to shop for new tires.
Remember to ask the seller about any potential problems.
How long will they last with proper winter tire maintenance?
Multiple factors can affect how long your winter tires remain effective, including the overall condition of the roads you travel on and the amount of time you use your vehicle. With proper winter tire maintenance, a standard set of winter tires should last at least four seasons.
Can buying winter tires save me money on car insurance?
If you live in Ontario, you are most likely eligible for a winter tire discount on your car insurance. That’s right – having snow tires can save you money! By law, insurance companies must offer you a 2-5% discount once you inform them that you have winter tires. Hold on to purchase and installation receipts, just in case! All our isure-approved insurers offer tire discounts – check with an isure broker today for the best percentage. Remember that different insurers offer different discounts.
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