Winter Tires
As experts in Canadian winter, Ride Time is an authority in winter tires. Wonder how your tires are going to last at a temperature of down to -50°C? Contact Ride Time and find the best winter tires for you. These tires, on the one hand, are designed to last the freezing cold in Canada.
On the other hand, your all-weather tires are not going to make it during the harsher winters in Canada.
When should I buy winter tires?
If you are meeting rain, ice, and snow soon — you should buy winter tires during late August or early September. At this time, there are many stocks, and you can choose one that you like. Distributors have already determined by February or March prior, the sizes and makes to carry for the winter months.
Take advantage of a full inventory and tire storage, beat the rush of last-time buyers, and find the right tires for your car when you buy during the fall. Take note that higher-quality tires are difficult to purchase by the end of November.
Also, if you’re a luxury car owner, you may require rare tires with specific dimensions that are difficult to get your hands on. Beating the rush of last-time buyers will enable you to choose certified tire installers, too, aside from finding the tires that you prefer.
Do you really need winter tires?
Yes, you do. Winter tires have a special rubber compound that is still flexible as temperatures drop (for better control). More so, these tires have solid and unique tread patterns with expanded grooves to enhance traction on ice. The grooves enable wider channels to drain water and remove snow. If you’re winter driving in snow, all-winter tires are not enough. Don’t wait to buy winter tires, as tire supplies will come in short supply when the snow starts to fall.
Can winter tires be used all year?
No, it isn’t recommended to use winter tires all year. Besides it being more expensive; it would compromise your vehicle’s performance. Take note that winter performance tires are designed for cold and wet roads. If you use winter tires all year, these tires will wear out faster on warm and dry pavements. Use summer tires and all-season tires instead for other seasons since they can withstand hot temperatures.
Another reason is decreased performance. If you need to make a quick turn in warm weather, you’d have trouble doing so because of the soft rubber found in winter tires. This soft rubber is important during cold weather but not as significant during warmer ones.
Do winter tires make a difference?
Yes, definitely. For better control in maneuvering and when you need to stop your vehicle, especially for heavier vehicles (light trucks, SUVs, etc.), winter or snow tires make a ton of difference. The higher quality winter tires are more expensive but can give better performance. If you spend a lot of time on the road, buying high-quality snow tires can provide you better control.
Winter tires do have superior tread patterns designed for better grip on ice, mud, and snow. Again, these tires designed for winter are made of a soft rubber compound, pliable and squishy enough for the cold. This is especially helpful for easy maneuvering and stopping. Remember, the roads are very slippery during the winter months, and you need better control. During the cold, winter tires will always outperform all-weather tires.
Is it better to get all-season tires or winter tires?
All-season tires can be used for mild winter. However, Canadian winters are different, and getting winter tires is the key to being safer on the road. Winter tires have biting grip edges on ice and snow. Made of soft rubber designed to provide better grip during the cutting cold, winter tires can help you and your passengers safe and unstuck during the winter.
What should I look for when buying winter tires?
First, know your tires by size. Your all-season tires and winter tires are the same sizes. If you’re unsure, get the help of a certified technician in using a tire size calculator. If you’re going to change your wheels, technicians will use a wheel offset calculator to visualize the new tire positions or check the owners manual. Search tires that come with wheel packages (including wheel accessories).
Second, check the flexibility, grooves, and stiffness. Larger grooves provide a better grip on winter surfaces. Take note that winter tires are softer than your all-season tires.
Third, determine if you need to get services for a tire change or tire maintenance and need snow tires (SUV tires, trailer tires, truck tires, bus tires) by determining which roads you drive on. Ice tires are better as they offer better traction. These tires are recommended if you drive on highways and dry roads.
However, if you drive within town, choose tires that have wider grooves to help with snowbanks. Fourth, it would be a good idea to check the warranty of the tires you’re eyeing after. You don’t want snow tires that only have a limited warranty—search tires with a good warranty and ultra-high performance.
How much do winter tires affect MPG?
Snow tires may help you during mud and snow—but at the cost of more gas. If you use them, shift to other tires more apt during warmer weather as you’ll burn more fuel if you continue using winter tires. What you should do instead is to (1) use steel-belted tires and (2) use wide tires, and studded tires as both will significantly lower the gas mileage.
Should I buy winter tires from dealership?
It’s worth it to get a quote from your local dealership. Even if tires sell at a premium at outlets, dealerships are not that more expensive than retailers. Sometimes, auto dealerships charge more for the tires but less for the installation.
Suppose you’re going to buy at auto dealerships, select tires that fit your vehicle and those that you need. Buy one during the fall and choose the best winter tires that fit your budget.
