Every year vehicle owners in Canada go through that seasonal rite of passage – the changing over to winter tires.
Once you start to notice a layer of frost to scrape in the morning and the temperature drops lower with each passing day, you know it is time to make the appointment.
“The most important thing is really being prepared for winter and not getting caught off guard,” said Amanda Fewer, service manager with Northstar Ford Cochrane. “Being prepared for the safety of yourself and everyone else around you.”
And being prepared, according to Fewer, means getting those tires switched right away, and not waiting until the temperature drops to the low teens or the snow begins to really start falling.
Fewer said that all season tires become less effective at seven degrees Celsius, where as winter tires have a soft rubber and are much more effective in the colder temperatures.
There is also a difference between all season and winter tires found in the tread pattern, Fewer added.
“The all season is made so that it adapts to most road conditions, where as the winter tires are specific for the ice and the snow and the cold weather. The tread pattern works much better on those conditions,” she said.
As for what tires to purchase, Fewer said to make sure the tires are from a reputable maker and are called winter tires.
There is the option of getting studded tires and Fewer said that as of right now there are no restrictions on using them in Alberta, but reminded people to keep in mind that they should only be used during the winter months.
“Obviously studded tires will provide increased traction, but are not always necessary. It depends completely on the driver and their driving conditions,” she said.
In terms of maintaining the life of the winter tires, Fewer said it is important to make sure to take them off once the winter season is over. She said that once the pavement heats up, it wears away at those tires much quicker because of their soft rubber compound.
Fewer suggested to those who have not yet made their appointment to have their car winterized and tires changed, they should call as soon as they can.
“We’ve already swapped over a lot of winter tires. Now is the time,” she said.
