If you've ever driven during the winter (as many Canadians have), then you likely know that it can be much more challenging than the other seasons. Several winter-related risks can send your vehicle spiralling out of control. Some common examples of these risks include the following:
- Black ice
- Unexpected snowstorms
- Slush
- Fog
- Severe hailstorms
These wintery risks, among many others, were the cause of approximately ⅓ of auto-related collisions in 2017. Getting into one or more severe accidents can potentially cause your auto premium to skyrocket or even force you to switch to a high-risk car insurance policy.
This is why many Canadian drivers rely on winter tires during the snowy season.
If you've recently purchased your first vehicle or are new to driving in the winter, you most likely have some questions — one of the most common questions we hear at the end of autumn is, "how long do winter tires last?".
We answer this question and many more below.
All season tires vs winter tires: what's the difference between the two?
Before going into detail about winter tire life expectancy, we need to go over the basics.
Canadian drivers have two primary options to choose from when it comes to tires: all-season and winter tires. But, what's the difference between the two?
All season tires
All-season tires are a fantastic choice for year-round driving. As you may know, all-season tires are relatively grippy in both warm and cool weather. Additionally, all-season tires feature a useful type of tread that allows them to retain their traction on wet surfaces.
However, all-season tires aren't the best option for Canadians that live in particularly cold areas; this is due to the fact that all-season tires begin to lose traction in conditions below 6º C. Because of this, all-season tires aren't ideal for drivers that experience consistently cold weather in the winter.
Winter tires
On the other hand, winter tires are made specifically for extremely cold, snowy conditions. Unlike their counterparts, winter tires stay flexible and retain their traction during winter, even in freezing conditions.
Winter tires are made out of a specialized material that is intended to stay flexible and grippy. Additionally, these tires feature a unique tread pattern and miniature teeth that bite into slick, icy roads. This gives you more control and minimizes the chances of sliding while braking.
How long are winter tires good for in Canada?
Finally, the question many of you have been waiting for: how many kms do winter tires last in Canada?". Unfortunately, we can't provide you with a precise number — there are simply too many variables to be able to guarantee an exact amount of km.
Thankfully, we can give you a general idea of how many years your tires will last based on your driving habits.
Drivers that spend a lot of time on the road can generally expect to get four to six seasons of use out of their winter tires. However, occasional drivers may be able to extend the winter tires lifespan to eight years.
It's important to remember that your winter tires will be significantly less effective after this amount of time. Your tires will be less grippy because the treads will eventually fade, and the teeth will become dull.
Additionally, it would be best if you kept in mind that driving aggressively (braking too quickly, making sharp turns at high speeds, etc.) may speed up the wear-and-tear process.
So, how long do winter tires last in Canada? You now know that the answer depends on your driving habits and overall usage.
Safety tips for driving in winter
As mentioned above, approximately ⅓ of auto-related collisions in 2017 happened during the winter months. Whatsmore, in December 2017, there were 26,824 auto accidents; this was the second-highest month for collisions that year. Of these accidents, approximately 14,000 lead to one or more injuries.
If you'd like to improve your winter driving skills, we highly urge you to make use of the safety tips mentioned below:
Bring a DIY winter safety kit
It would be best if you never hit the road in winter without your DIY winter safety kit. Having the right tools and supplies can turn an unforeseen problem into a quick speed bump.
We suggest storing the following items in your vehicle during the winter months:
- Flashlight
- External smartphone battery or charger
- Non-perishable food (granola bars, dried fruit, dried meat, etc.) and water
- Blankets
- Booster cables
- Tow straps
- Collapsible shovel and a small bag of sand (to increase traction if you're stuck)
Having the items listed above isn't just ideal for you and your family; you can also share them with other motorists who need a hand.
Don't pass snowplows
We agree with the notion that snowplows are slow, and being stuck behind one can be frustrating. However, you should never pass a snowplow, even if you're in a hurry.
Modern snowplows are noticeably wide, and passing one puts you, the snowplow driver and other motorists at risk. If you get stuck behind a snowplow, we recommend that you keep a minimum of 10 feet away from the vehicle.
If you get stuck behind a snowplow for an extended period, consider looking for a different route. Although this may add a few minutes to your trip, it's much safer than driving aggressively.
Remove snow and ice from the exterior of your vehicle
Before hitting the road, you should take a moment to remove snow or ice that's accumulated on your vehicle.
Although this may seem like a chore, doing this helps keep other drivers safe. If a large chunk of snow or ice breaks loose from your vehicle and lands on another motorist's windshield, you may impair their vision and cause them to get into an accident. Alternatively, a large piece of ice could potentially crack or puncture the windshield.
What have you learned about winter tires?
As you now know, winter tires are incredibly beneficial for drivers during the wintertime. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences temperatures consistently below 6º C.
