GET A GRIP ON THE REALITY OF USING WINTER TIRES
Choosing the right kind of rubber for your vehicle helps make roads safer for everyone
We’re into December now and snowy winter weather is blowing all around us. Whether your winter driving conditions are filled with snow, rain or icy roads, there’s one winter essential you shouldn’t overlook: changing your tires.
Winter tires provide the best traction and durability needed to deal with slippery roads and cold temperatures. They are also mandatory between Oct. 1 and March 31 on many of B.C.’s highways in the North, Interior and South Coast regions, as well as on Vancouver Island.
If you haven’t yet changed over, I strongly urge you to consider doing this right away.
Choosing winter tires makes our roads safer for everyone.
Law requires winter tires to be in good condition and have a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm.
Drivers who don’t follow winter tire requirements can be fined $121, while those who don’t have the minimum tread depth can be fined $109.
While winter tires aren’t required in areas with a more moderate climate, like the Lower Mainland, they’re still a good idea.
All season tires, the most common alternative, begin to lose their grip on the road at seven degrees Celsius and below, according to Transport Canada.
For those who haven’t yet made the switch, a few simple steps can put you well on your way to a safer holiday season.
First, always chose four matching tires instead of changing only the front or back pairs. Mismatched tires can be dangerous, since one end of your vehicle may not respond the same way as the other. This is especially important for vehicles with all wheel drive systems.
You should also know the exact type and size of tire to look for.
In B.C., winter tires are labelled with either the Mud and Snow (M+S) symbol or the Mountain Snowflake symbol.
It’s easy to find the exact size of tire recommended for your vehicle — just check your owner’s manual, the tire sidewall, or your vehicle’s door jam. If you have a wide-tread tire, you may want to think about investing in a narrower tire for winter, as this kind does better on slippery roads.
A certified mechanic or tire retailer can advise you on what’s best for your vehicle. Your tires should also fit properly, since poorly fitting tires can cause issues with handling and additional wear.
As with any purchase, it pays to consider all the options.
For example, all weather tires can be a good choice for those who don’t deal with heavy snow and ice.
Unlike all season tires, all weather tires with M&S symbols, are certified for winter, and are good for those who want to avoid yearly changeovers. For those who have gone green with their car, there are also special electric vehicle winter tire options that offer low rolling resistance, which can boost your vehicle’s range.
Finally, remember that in driving in dangerous weather conditions, winter tires aren’t a guarantee.
Caution is the key to a safe ride — check conditions before you leave, give yourself enough time to reach your destination, and leave extra space when stopping and turning.