WINTER TIRE TIPS

As we head into the Fall season here in Ontario, it’s time for those age old questions, “Should I get winter tires this year? Snow tires or Ice tires”.  Well, the answer, of course is, depends on your needs. While the evidence is in, that winter tires clearly out perform all-season tire. A study conducted in 2001-2002 by Transport Quebec, CAA-Quebec, revealed that winter tires generally out-perform all-season tires in winter driving conditions.

On a slightly snow-covered road at -20°C, winter tires considerably reduce braking distances whether you’re driving a car, a minivan or a 4×4.

Four-wheel drive and all-season tires together allow faster accelerations from 0 to 50 km/h than two-wheel drive and all-season tires, but braking performance is not necessarily adequate.

In the study, winter tires also displayed superior grip on heavily snow-covered roads at -2°C, especially upon braking.

Only when a bit of snow covers the road and the temperature rises  do all-season tires offer an advantage over winter tires. According to the results, only a subcompact car riding on winter tires will take longer to reach 50 km/h. But in the case of a minivan or 4×4, winter tires again prove their supremacy.

Answer the following questions:

• Do I drive mostly in the city, on country roads or on the highway?
• Do I put a lot of mileage into my winter tires?
• Do I plan on keeping my vehicle for several years to come?

According to your answers…

If you don’t put a lot of mileage in and drive mostly in the city and on a few secondary roads, a good snow tire will do the trick. However, ice tires can do a great job in the city as well, but they’re less efficient in a heavy snowfall.

Examples of Snow Tires :

• Firestone Winterforce
• Laramie Snowblazer
• Multi-Miles Arctic Claw
• GT Radial IcePro
• Goodyear Ultra- Grip
• Dean Winter Cat
• Hercules Avanlanche Extreme

On the other hand, if you put a lot of mileage in and drive mostly on the highway, you need an ice tire.

Examples of Ice Tires:

• Nokian  Hakkapeliitta 5 or R
• Michelin X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy or Pilot Alpin
• Yokohama Iceguard IG20

For those who often drive on secondary roads, which generally aren’t ploughed as diligently, I suggest opting for a snow and ice tire.

Snow & Ice Tires:

• Nokian Hakkapelliitta 5 with or without studs or Hakka R
• Gislaved Nordfrost 5 with or without studs
• Yokohama Iceguard IG20 or G072
• Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 or DM-V1
• Tokyo Observe or Open Country G02 Plus

The following Winter Tires, but with Studs:

• Firestone Winterforce
• Laramie Snowblazer
• Multi-Miles Arctic Claw
• GT Radial IcePro
• Goodyear Ultra- Grip
• Dean Winter Cat
• Hercules Avanlanche Extreme

General Rules For Tires

Don’t overload your  vehicle

Overloading can increase the friction forces on your tires, which can lead to  overheating and tire failure. These limits are shown in your owner’s manual and  on the certification plate on the edge of the driver’s door. Check for proper  inflation pressure at least once a month and before taking any long distance  driving trips.

Avoid fast starts, stops  and turns

They can cause excessive and uneven wear and tear on your tires. Built-in tread indicators (or  “wear bars”) – which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread  will appear on the tire when it’s worn out and needs to be replaced.

Don’t use tire under  inflation to achieve better traction on snow or ice

It doesn’t work and could damage your  tires. Also remember to check your air pressure more in cold weather, an  outside temperature drop of 10° can reduce the air pressure inside your tires  by 1 or 2 pounds per square inch.

Don’t spin your wheels  excessively when stuck in snow or mud

Instead rock  the vehicle gently by alternating between the drive and reverse gear settings.  Rapidly spinning tires can reach their failing point in three to five seconds.

Avoid driving over  potholes, curbs and bumps

They can result  in tire damage or misalignment. Misalignments and imbalances can be a source of  uneven tire wear and may also affect the comfort of your vehicle’s ride. Have  your wheel alignment and balance checked regularly.

Want some help with Winter Tire decisions? click here

(Source: Michelin; Auto123.com)