How to buy the most suitable winter tires for your vehicle.
The primary consideration for anyone looking to safely navigate Canada’s roads this winter is understanding that winter tires are essential. Once temperatures dip below +7℃, winter tires provide exceptional performance compared to summer and even all-season tires.
We have compiled a list of a few critical factors you need to consider when buying winter tires in Canada so you can maintain them and get the most out of your investment.
1. Tires and Rims
When buying winter tires, you have two options – buy only the rubber tires and have them changed onto your car’s existing rims, or buy winter tires that come with their own rims.
If you purchase only the rubber tires, you can save money on the purchase, but you’ll need to spend extra money and time getting the rubber changed out on your rims.
If you opt for winter tires with their own rims, replacing them will be quicker and more manageable (you could also do it yourself), but you will need to pay extra for the rims. In addition, most newer cars are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that use sensors on the wheels. If you have one of these cars and want to use this feature, you’ll have to pay extra for TPMS sensors in your winter tires.
2. Look for the logo
According to Transport Canada, to qualify as a “winter tire” in Canada, it must be marked with the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake (“Alpine”) logo. This mark is found on winter and all-weather tires to show that the tire is certified to meet the best performance criteria in snow testing.
However, British Columbia’s mandatory requirements include all-season M+S (mud + snow) tires. So instead of the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake (“Alpine”) logo, you’ll find the ‘M+S’ designation on the right all-season tire. Each mud &snow tire must have a tread depth of 3.5mm to be deemed acceptable for BC’s winter roads.
3. Studded tires
You can buy studded snow tires to retain traction in snowy conditions. These tires have tiny metal studs embedded in the rubber, which help dig into the road and equip more grip and hold, especially when the temperature is around zero C.
A few things to know about studded snow tires: they can be loud and might damage pavement, which is why they’re prohibited in some regions of Canada. Make sure to check your regional and provincial regulations before you buy.
4. Check the air pressure
Just like all-season tires, it’s great to ensure your winter tires are appropriately inflated. This enhances your tires’ performance and helps them last longer. To find your tire’s ideal air pressure, check the side of the tire or your owner’s manual, or look for a chart placed on the edge of the driver’s side door or inside the glove box.
5. Check the tread
The tread design on your tires will eventually wear down as you drive. Therefore, it’s best to ensure the tires have enough tread depth. Otherwise, you risk reducing the traction. This TranBC page provides facts on what you should know about checking tire treads.
The 4-wheel drive feature is not a substitute for winter tires.
It’s necessary to highlight that driving features like 4-wheel drive (4WD), anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability management can help accelerate and maneuver. Still, they do almost nothing to stop or slow down the vehicle in winter conditions. Moreover, there’s no alternative to winter tires to get better control and traction on a snowy or icy road.
