Tips to consider when buying winter tires
There are a number of issues to consider when purchasing a set of tires for the winter season.The first consideration is the condition of the existing tires on your vehicle.
They are likely all-season tires which came with the vehicle, or have replaced those that were original equipment.
All-season tires are no good for winter. They are really compromise or three season tires that become hard when the thermometer drops below seven degrees Celsius.
If they are in good shape, with at least half of the original tread left, you will want to save them for next spring and buy a set of four winter tires. Store them over the winter in dark plastic bags (garbage bags work nicely), out of the elements. If they are getting low on tread, this is a good time to consider replacement rubber.
REPLACEMENT/TYPE
If your existing all-season tires are near the end of their useful life, and you are facing replacement, you have two choices – winter or all-weather.
Winter tires on all four wheels are the ultimate answer to safe winter passage. Do not install on only two wheels. This will create an imbalance that both driver and safety systems will have trouble with, in slippery conditions. Winter tires are designed for extreme conditions and are the answer for those who absolutely have to get there, regardless of conditions. They are also the obvious choice if you already have a set of tires in good condition for the remaining months of the year.
All-weather tires are the new game in town. They are especially formulated to deal with a wide range of temperatures and conditions. They remain supple in the cold, unlike all-season tires. All-weather tires make a great choice for those facing replacement of “regular” tires, folks who go south for the winter, stay at home in severe conditions, and/or have no place to store a set of four wheels and tires.
WHEELS
If you are going to run two sets of tires — winter and other, consider a second set of wheels. That will allow you to keep the original equipment wheels aside over the winter. It will also save money in the long term, as you will not face the cost of remounting, balancing etc. twice a year. Original equipment wheels are likely made of an attractive alloy that will not like winter, salt etc. The second set for winter need not be fancy or expensive. The key factors are to make sure they fit properly, and are equipped with tire pressure sensors.
Avoid buying this second set of wheels based purely on price or looks. A proper fit is critical. Wheels have to fit over the mounting hub. The size and fit of that hole in the middle is critical. So too is the size and placement of the bolts that hold the wheel in place. The third consideration is the offset — the wheels’ true centre line, the distance from the outside of the wheel to the mounting surface. There are “all-purpose” wheels on the market with the offset, bolt pattern and center hole sized to accommodate many different vehicles. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Shop at recognized and respected outlets.
Today’s automobiles are fitted with numerous sensors that interact with each other and central computers systems. Many of these rely on information from the sensors mounted inside the wheels and included when balancing the wheel.
SIZE
If you are buying a second set of tires and wheels consider downsizing. A narrower tire will have a better chance of biting through deep snow and reaching the road surface. The taller sidewall will provide a better ride. This will require a different size wheel and tire than currently on your vehicle, commonly one or two inches smaller i.e. an 18-inch wheel instead of a 19" or 20". This is a common practice and any reputable tire seller will have the charts and information necessary to ensure a proper change.
WHEN
Book ahead and avoid the rush and a nasty surprise that first morning when the ground is covered in white. Also remember that the main factor in switching to winter rubber is temperature. Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, has switched from Dec. 15 to Dec. 1 this year as the required date for installation.