Winter driving can be uncomfortable, unpredictable road conditions, salt ruining your car, the scraping of ice, the brushing off of the snow, the frozen wipers, everything about winter driving is painful. Living in Canada with these unpredictable weather conditions it is recommended and in some provinces required by law to install winter tires. They help keep you safer on the roads. Winter tires are becoming more popular amongst motorists as they offer up to 50% more traction than all-season tires.
Depending on the province you live in installing winter tires may be mandatory like in Quebec. Ontario will encourage it and in other provinces, snowfall starts as early as September so you’ll want to make sure you consider the swap well ahead of time. Many car insurance companies also offer auto insurance discounts for using winter tires. The cost can range from $65 to $120 per tire depending on the make, and if they are on or off rims but are well worth it for the safe driving they offer in winter. If you happen to be shopping around for new auto insurance, you can also check out our post on home and car insurance add ons and getting car insurance after cancellation in Canada.
The best time to install the tires
The best time of the year to go ahead and install the tires is before the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius or prior to the first snowfall of the season. If you time it out right and can get it done in the fall in October or November the dealership has lots of availability so you aren’t left scrambling!
Top Rated winter tires for 2020 are:
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS 80
- Nokian Hakkapelitta R2
- Continental WinterContact SI
- Gislaved Nord*Frost 200
- Michelin X-Ice Xi3
- Pirelli Ice Zero FR
- Toyo Observe GSi5
- Dunlop Winter Maxx 2
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
- Hercules Avalanche RG-2
- Vredestein SnowTrac 5
- Yokohama Ice Guard IG52C
(Source: https://www.insurancehotline.com/resources/top-ten-winter-tires/)
Winter tires aren’t enough, you also have to drive safely:
- You need to continue to practice safe driving habits:
- Check the weather and road conditions on a regular basis and don’t go out in the event of a storm or blizzard
- Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before taking off including foggy windows which can cause poor visibility, and the roof of your car! So many times there can be sheets of ice on the roof of your car under the fluffy snow, and when you drive off that sheet of ice can slide right off the back of your car and into someone's windshield!)
- Drive slowly in the event of unfavourable weather.
- Maintain a good following distance of about 1 or 2 car lengths between you and the driver in front of you
- Avoid sudden braking, especially if it is icy - if you can avoid it
- Aim to install matching sets of four tires as mixing and matching could result in loss of control of your vehicle.
There you have it, the best winter tires to choose from, tips to drive safe, and of course, let your insurance company know you have installed winter tires as there may be savings to be put in your pocket. Check also this post about things that can improve your winter driving.
