Fall is already here, and soon it will be the turn of cold weather, snow and ice to make their appearance on our roads. For most Canadian motorists, this is also synonymous with tire changes. Especially in Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory from December to March. It is often thought that winter tires are only useful for driving on snowy or icy roads, but did you know that they are also helpful in cold weather? There is a good reason why they are mandatory by law: they could actually save your life!
A different gum
If you’ve read our recent articles on the composition of a tire’s rubber (links here and here), you surely understand the complexity of the recipe for a sticky rubber. Many factors come into play to determine the type of rubber that will be suitable for your vehicle’s conditions. Probably one of the most important factors is the outside temperature. In cold weather, the rubber of summer or all-season tire loses its flexibility and becomes susceptible to cracking at any time or, worse, losing its grip with the road. Next time you need to buy winter tires, remember to check the quality of the rubber!
Tread design for more grip
Unlike tires designed for warmer seasons, which will mainly have to run on dry and wet roads, winter tires must withstand a wider variety of environments. On an icy or snowy road, the role of your tire’s tread pattern, the raised design on the tread, is quite different. The winter tire must also be able to repel snow and ice, reducing their contact with the road. Some models even have a large number of small incisions in the rubber that act like studs to stabilize the car.
If winter tires allow you to benefit from significantly increased traction during acceleration and braking, it’s undoubtedly because of the unique design that makes them efficient as soon as the mercury drops. The difference is easily detectable! The best proof is probably the braking distance: when it comes to stopping at a red light on a road covered with snow and ice, having winter tires could reduce your braking distance by more than 9 meters! This could easily mean the difference between a head-on collision and an accident avoided.
So, as you can see, winter tires are by far the safest choice. It’s also an economical choice! By buying two sets of tires and alternating them at the beginning of each season, you can easily save them from premature wear. Under the right conditions, the life of your tires will be extended by several years! Ask our specialists at Blackcircles.ca, you’ll see!
