Improve your car’s winter performance by installing winter tires. They’re designed with tread features like bigger grooves, biting edges, and even studs for improved gripping, particularly in sub-zero temperatures. So, if you are wondering – do I really need to put winter tires on my vehicle? Let’s put a few of popular myths to rest.
- “I don’t need winter tires because I have AWD or 4WD.”
Your AWD and 4WD is great at getting your vehicle moving from a dead stop and accelerating smoothly in a straight line when the pavement is slippery; it does this by sending more power to the wheels getting the most traction and less power to the spinning wheels. However, if none of your tires has enough grip, if you don’t have enough traction in the first place, the system can’t compensate. It’s your tires that come in contact with the road, and it’s your tires that will determine how well you can maneuver in cold temperatures and winter conditions. - “All season tires will do the trick!”
To quote Transport Canada: “At temperatures below +7C, all-season tires begin to lose elasticity, resulting in reduced traction.” All season tires really should be renamed to ‘3 season tires’ because they are NOT winter tires. All-season tires are made with less natural rubber, so they stiffen once temperatures go below +7C, winter tires really help you get a grip on winter. - “I can just drive slower.”
While it’s always a good plan to adjust your driving to the current conditions, remember that you’re not the only driver on the road. If you need to brake quickly or steer to avoid a collision, in the end your tires are what will matter.
