When Should You Put On Winter Tires?
Read this article to discover when the right time is to put winter tires on your vehicle and why these tires are necessary in Hamilton, Ontario.
When Is The Right Time To Have Winter Tires Installed On Your Vehicle?
At Downtown Auto Specialist, we strongly encourage our clients to use winter tires in winter. Or all-weather tires (more on that later). Driving on all-season tires or summer tires in cold weather simply isn’t safe. But what do we mean by “cold weather”?
If you are a hardy, winter-loving, outdoorsy type of person, you may not consider the weather to be truly cold until it hits double digits below freezing. But many tires are not so hardy. In cold weather, the rubber compounds in summer and all-season tires stiffen. This means they can’t properly grip the pavement, so you experience much less traction. This can cause you to skid, making it difficult to steer, and impede braking.
Cold weather for these tires is considered to be about seven degrees Celsius. This temperature is downright balmy for many Canadians come fall. In Hamilton, we regularly have October nights that dip below seven. That is why you should put on winter tires in October or November. This can ensure your vehicle is ready for whenever the cold weather and snow start.
What Is Wrong With All-Season Tires?
Despite their name, all-season tires aren’t really suitable for all four Canadian seasons.
All-season tires lack traction in cold weather just like summer tires do. We really don’t recommend trying to drive on all-seasons during winter.
Winter Tire Design And Tread Design
Winter tires comprise different rubber compounds than other tires. They also have special tread patterns and designs, as well as siping, that help them provide traction even in extreme cold. Not all winter tires are the same, though. It is important to buy the best winter tires for your vehicle. The right winter tire for an SUV may not be the right set for a two-door coupe, for example.
Another factor to consider is whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive. This can affect which winter tire is best for you. The tire experts at Downtown Auto Specialist can suggest the best winter tires for your vehicle and driving style.
What About All-Weather Tires?
Despite their similar names, all-weather tires are not the same as all-seasons. All-weathers are rated for winter driving in Canada. This is evidenced by the snowflake pictogram embossed on all-weather tires. Having said that, not all all-weather tires necessarily offer the same features as some winter tires.
Make Downtown Auto Specialist Your Winter Tire Shop In Hamilton.
There is no need to keep searching for a winter tire shop near you if you’re in the Hamilton area. Just come to Downtown Auto Specialist. We are proud to offer a range of winter tires for sale.
To book an appointment to have winter tires installed on your vehicle, please click here. If you want to learn more about winter tires, or about any of our products or services, please get in touch with us via our website or call us at 905-529-2833.