Summary:
In Canada, winter tires are essential for safe driving during harsh winter months. Unlike all-season tires, these tires are designed with special rubber compounds and tread patterns that provide superior grip on snow, ice, and cold pavement. The softer rubber compounds remain flexible at low temperatures, improving traction, while the tread patterns, with features like sipes and blocks, help the tires grip icy surfaces and shed snow.
Winter tires are particularly effective in temperatures below 7°C, even when there’s no snow. They outperform all-season tires, which become stiff and lose traction as temperatures drop. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to install winter tires in sets of four, ensuring consistent traction across all wheels.
Key Features of Winter Tires
- Rubber Compound: Softer than all-season tires, it retains flexibility in cold temperatures for better grip.
- Tread Pattern: Includes blocks, sipes, and voids designed to improve traction on snow and ice.
- Studded Tires: Some tires have metal studs for extra grip on ice.
Industry Standards
The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol signifies that a tire meets rigorous performance standards for snow traction. Additionally, newer standards like the Ice Grip symbol, which tests traction on ice, are helping consumers identify even more capable winter tires.
Winter Tire Maintenance
A Winter tire is generally more expensive than an all-season tire due to specialized materials and manufacturing processes. They should be removed in summer, as the soft rubber wears quickly in warm conditions. Proper storage and tire sizing are also important to ensure longevity and performance.
Driving
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