Autumn is the perfect time to install winter tires

With all of the information available on the subject, it’s surprising that some drivers remain unconvinced that winter tires are safer than allseason tires.

In most driving situations, winter tires outperform all-season tires on cold surfaces and in winter conditions. Transport Canada supports this view, based on a study that revealed all-season tires are less effective when temperatures drop below -10 C.

Tests conducted by Transport Canada and the Canadian Rubber Association revealed that all-season tires veered off the testing track at speeds of 40 to 50 km/h; this wasn’t a problem with cars with winter tires.

Unlike winter tires, all-season tires don’t have the cold weather compounds, tread swipes and channelling tread patterns for traction in deep snow. And although most new vehicles are designed with frontwheel drivetrain, all four tires should be replaced. All tires require linear (forward) traction and lateral (sideways) traction in order to prevent loss of control.

In parts of northern Ontario, the Highways Traffic Act allows the limited use of studded tires between Oct. 1 and April 30. According to a Government of Ontario website, a study has shown that “studded tires are more effective than other tires under icy conditions, particularly on wet ice.”

To further persuade drivers to install winter tires, last week the Ontario provincial government announced a plan to help lower auto insurance rates by requiring insurance companies to provide a discount for those drivers who purchase and install winter tires, starting Jan. 1, 2016.

Once you have decided to equip your vehicle with winter tires, here are some tips that will make for safer driving this winter.

1. Install four tires, not two. Transport Canada recommends installing four in order to improve vehicle handling. In short, four tires will optimize the ABS and electronic stability systems.

2. Install winter tires sooner, rather than later, to avoid the rush at service departments after the first snowfall.

3. Winter tires should be removed when the daily average temperature is above 5 C and there is no more risk of snow or frost. Plus, winter tires are not as effective at stopping on dry and wet roads during the summer months.

4. Consider purchasing a separate set of winter-only wheels. Winter wheels provide more flexibility in terms of tire widths — winter tires tend to perform better in narrow sizes and are better at moving through packed snow.

5. Your local new car dealership offers a full selection of winter tires for most makes and models. Don’t assume that independent auto retailers are cheaper; dealers buy winter tires in bulk during the summer to be competitive on price, and those tires are in stock now and will sell out fast. Some auto manufacturers are now offering no-charge winter tire packages on top of competitive rebates and finance rates.

6. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Tire pressures will decrease as temperatures drop, and checking the inflation once a month is recommended.

7. Store your tires properly. Improper tire storage can lead to damage and can shorten the lifespan of your tires. Many dealerships offer tire storage services at a modest cost.

So, with winter approaching, consider the safety aspect of winter tires. Don’t compromise your safety and the safety of your loved ones by driving a vehicle that’s less safe than it could be.

If you are interested in a career in the automotive industry, the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association is hosting three Job & Career Information Fairs throughout Ontario this fall. For more information, visit carsandjobs.com. This column represents the views of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Doug Sullivan is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. He is a new car dealer in Huntsville, Ont.