Why do I need winter tires on my vehicle?

The technology in the development of winter tires has exploded in the last 15 years. Today’s winter tires are made from softer rubber compound and extended sipes throughout the tread give maximum grip on snow and ice. Ice and snow tires are especially impressive when it comes to braking on icy roads.

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Are All Season tires sufficient for winter driving?

No. All season tires are a myth for most winter driving conditions in Canada. If an all season tire has over 50% tread depth, it may get adequate traction in loose snow. However, all season tires seriously under perform on ice and packed snow. Traction and braking become a safety hazard driving on all season tires in winter months.

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Can I just install two winter tires?

It is not advisable to install just 2 winter tires on any vehicle. With only 2 winter tires, the traction or steering will be compromised.

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Is it better to have a set of tires and wheels for winter driving?

Yes, it is better to have a set of summer wheels and tires and winter wheels and tires for a number of reasons. Time: The time to install a mounted tire and wheel is about half and hour compared to an hour to an hour and a half to dismount summer tires and remount the winter tires. Tire Stress: Every time a tire is mounted and dismounted the tire bead stretches and can promote air leaking from the tire bead. Cost: To install a mounted tire and wheel costs around $40 ($80 if the wheel is balanced). The cost to dismount a summer tire and remount a winter tire can cost as much as $160 depending on the wheel size.

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Aren't Winter Tires Expensive?

Winter tires and wheels may be one of the most economical purchases you can make. We have excellent prices on tires, alloy wheels, steel wheels and complete Winter Tire & Wheel Packages. Using winter tires will extend the life of your summer tires. The summer tires won't "wear out" sitting in the garage or basement while the winter tires and wheels are on the vehicle. Using winter wheels will protect Original Equipment or aftermarket alloy wheels from the harsh realities of winter...the salt, slush and grime that attack the alloy.

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What If My Car Has Traction Control?

While traction control will help keep you from overpowering your tires, it doesn't actually improve your tire's traction; it simply limits your car's acceleration to the traction level of your tires. The only way to maximize your vehicle's winter performance is to provide your traction control with more grip to work with by using tires specifically designed for your driving conditions.

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What If My Car Has ABS Brakes?

While ABS brakes will help keep you from locking up your tires, it doesn't actually improve your tire's traction; it simply limits your cars braking to the traction level of your tires. The only way to maximize your vehicle's winter performance is to provide your ABS brakes with more grip to work with by using tires specifically designed for your driving conditions.

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