With cold climates and frigid winter conditions across Canada, having reliable cars and a set of winter tires installed is an absolute must for safe driving practices.
Icy or snowy roads caused by freezing rain are no match for summer tires or all season tires. So, what makes winter tires different and when are you supposed to make the switch to winter tires anyway? Stick around to find out more.
What are winter tires?
Compared to summer tires, winter or snow tires are made specifically for colder temperatures and snowy weather. Here is a closer look at how winter tires differ from regular tires:
The rubber
Winter tires are made of special rubber compounds that are meant to remain flexible and durable in cold temperatures. On the other hand, summer tires and all-season tires are made of a rubber compound meant to withstand warmer temperatures. Because summer and all-season tires cannot withstand cold weather, they can stiffen as temperatures drop, putting you at risk of losing traction.
The tread depth
Winter tires have deeper tread depths, which enables the tire to dig into the ice and snow on the road for more reliable traction while your vehicle is in motion.
The tread pattern
The tread depth, along with the unique tread pattern that features slits and winter rubber, further assists in ensuring your vehicle is stable, has a better grip, and is able to operate safely during the winter months.
What month should you install winter tires?
Winter tire requirements differ between provinces and territories across Canada. For example, in British Columbia (BC), if you want to drive on certain highways, mandatory winter tires are required from October 1st until the end of April, given that BC highways are incredibly dangerous during the winter.
In places like Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and other areas of Canada winter tires are not mandatory for winter driving, but rather recommended. We suggest checking your local government website for further information on when to change winter tires.
Is it bad to put on winter tires too early?
Putting winter tires on your vehicle before the winter can actually cause damage to the tires themselves. To avoid this, check your local regulations to ensure you do not install your winter tires too early.
What is the difference between snow tires and all-season tires?
The difference between winter tires and all-season tires is the rubber used to create them, the tread patterns, and the tread depth. All-season tires are meant for those living in mild areas, while snow tires are built to last in cold temperatures.
When should you start using winter tires?
In Ontario, the government recommends that drivers change winter tires from October 1st until April 30th. This timeframe can change between provinces, so make sure you understand the regulations in your area.
How Canadian drivers can maintain their vehicle year-round
Maintaining your car throughout the year can impact how long cars last in Canada. Here are some tips to remember:
Protect your car with high-quality car insurance
Beyond having your winter tires changed on time for the upcoming cold season and brushing up on our winter car maintenance tips, it's essential that you have the right insurance in place in the event of a car accident that takes place on icy roads during the winter months. Here are some common policies that will benefit you during all weather conditions in the winter, spring, summer, and fall:
Call BrokerLink today
Did you just put winter tires or snow tires on your vehicle recently, and it happened to be up for your car insurance renewal? Good news! You may qualify for an insurance discount that can help you get lower insurance premiums!
At BrokerLink, our brokers are dedicated to helping drivers save on their insurance policies. With access to some of Canada's top insurance companies, we're able to help you customize your policies to fit your needs and budget.
We've got locations across the country! If we're in your neighbourhood, feel free to visit us in person to work with a broker from our team one-on-one! Can't make it in person? Give us a call anytime to speak with us over the phone! Alternatively, you can get a competitive insurance quote from the comfort of your own home using our online quote tool.
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When to Put On Winter Tires: FAQs
When to put winter tires on in Ontario?
Although winter or snow tires are not mandatory in Ontario, The Government of Ontario recommends installing qualifying winter tires between October and April to receive a discount on insurance premiums. If you have winter tires installed on your vehicle, reach out to your insurance company for more information on how you can save on your monthly costs moving forward!
Why do I need four winter tires?
Regardless of whether you drive an all wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, optimal traction for winter driving, especially in high snowfall regions, requires four winter tires, rather than two. For example, installing winter tires on your rear axle only, could cause you to lose control and be unable to steer your vehicle in the direction you want to.
In contrast, changing only one tire on your front axle and not your rear, could impact your ability to break in sub zero temperatures. For better traction, your set of winter tires should be installed on all four areas of your vehicle.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
