Hey Rui, Can I Get Some Winter Tire Tips?

As winter approaches, it's a good idea for Canadian drivers to get their vehicles ready for the potentially challenging road conditions ahead. With ice storms, blizzards, and black ice being possibilities during this season, ensuring you have winter tires that can handle these situations is quite important. 

Winter tires are designed with rubber that stays flexible in cold temperatures, which helps provide the best traction and grip for driving through Canadian winters. You can easily recognize winter tires by the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, indicating that they have been tested under severe winter weather conditions and offer excellent control. 

The choice of tires can significantly affect how your vehicle performs on the road, here are some reminders to consider when transitioning to winter tires this season:

When to Put On Winter Tires

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) dictates that the best time to drive with winter tires is when temperatures drop below 7°C. They propose using the 7-for-7 rule, which means transitioning to winter tires after seven consistent days of temperatures below 7°C. Seasonal temperature changes will happen at different times so it's essential to keep an eye on daily weather reports.

We encourage you to book your appointment in advance to help us accommodate your schedule for your seasonal tire change service.

Winter Tires and Ontario Insurance

Inform your auto insurance provider that you have installed seasonal tires, as this may qualify you for up to a 5% discount on your premiums.  We recommend you consult with your insurance company to determine the time frame required for drivers to install winter tires on their vehicles for the upcoming winter season.

Types of Winter Tires

Outside of the standard winter tires, there are three other options that drivers might choose to use when winterizing their car for the season ahead. These include the following:

Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Winter tires are used explicitly in the winter months to safely navigate over ice and snow, but all-season tires can be used on a vehicle throughout the year and in all seasons. 

According to the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Transportation, all-season tires do not offer the same security when driving during the colder months as winter tires do. All-season tires can start to lose grip when temperatures drop to 7°C and below and are not as safe as winter tires for driving across Ontario and the snow-belt. 

All-Weather Tires 

All-weather tires are like all-season tires in that they can be used throughout the entire year. They are one of the newer types of tires on the market and offer more traction and durability in winter than all-season tires. Although they can handle mild winter conditions, winter tires outperform all-weather tires when safely driving over ice and snow. 

Studded Tires

In Southern Ontario, the use of studded tires is regulated and not permitted. Vehicles registered in Northern Ontario, as well as out-of-province vehicles traveling in Ontario for less than a month, are allowed to use studded tires. 

Inspecting Your Tires

Before switching out your summer tires, be sure to inspect each one of your four winter tires. Giving your tires a once-over prior to your tire change appointment means you can identify any damage that might be a concern. Our MNM service technician will inspect your tires during your service. 

Here is what you need to look out for before heading into your seasonal tire change appointment:

Cracks

Be on the lookout for cracks in the rubber. It is hard to tell how deep cracks go into the tire just by looking at them. If you see cracks, when you get to your appointment at MNM, please let your Service Advisor know. 

Treads

Tread patterns are grooves in the rubber that are necessary for traction, especially when it comes to gripping Canadian ice-covered roads. If you notice your winter tire treads are smooth or worn down, please let your Service Advisor know. 

How Long Do Winter Tires Last?

If properly maintained and cared for, winter tires, on average, could last anywhere between five and six seasons. The lifespan of your tires depends on a few things - your daily mileage, storage conditions and driving style. 

Tips for Maintaining Winter Tires 

Multiple tire sets mean maintaining their condition when mounted on your car and stored for the off-season. Here are five key things you need to know to maintain the condition of your winter tires and prolong their life span: 

1.) Ensure Proper Tire Pressure 

You should routinely check the pressure of your tires throughout the winter season. Cold temperatures are known to deflate tire pressure, which will decrease handling capabilities. Maintaining the correct tire pressure will ensure better traction on the road and improve the lifespan of your winter set.  You’re welcome to come to MNM at any time to check your tire pressure. 

The optimal air pressure for your tires can be found in the owner’s manual, or in a chart on the edge of the driver’s side door. Never exceed the maximum pressure amount stated, as this is bad for the tires. 

2.) Know Where Your Lock Nut Is 

Lock nuts help secure the tire to your car and deter someone from stealing your wheels. Each tire set has a lock nut key to tighten and loosen the nuts. Keeping your key in a safe place means you know where it is should you need to use it. 

3.) Use A Complete Set of Tires 

When switching to winter tires, you should always change all four at once. A complete set of four winter tires is essential for controlling and handling a vehicle. Mixing different types or sizes of tires can cause a car to lose traction. Therefore, for your safety, all four tires should be the same type, size, speed rating and load index.

4.) Store Off-Season Tires Properly

Tire storage services can help keep seasonal tires safe and secure when they are not in use. MNM partners with a reputable company, Tire Hotel, to securely store your tires and rims in a fully licensed, insured, and climate-controlled environment. We streamline the tire storage and administration process for you. We recommend scheduling tire storage appointments in advance, especially during peak seasons for both the current and upcoming seasons.

At My Neighbourhood Mechanic, we want to make sure all our drivers are safe this winter. If you need help preparing your vehicle for the winter season ahead, our community mechanic shop is ready and waiting.