FROM OUR PARTNERS
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Thinking About Buying Winter Tires ? Here ’ s What You Need to Know .
LAURIE BAUER | Business Development Manager , TW Insurance Brokers
Winter tires improve handling and overall traction in snowy , icy and slushy conditions and reduce the likelihood of collisions . They can even reduce braking distances by up to 25 percent ! The wider tread and softer rubber enable these tires to eject snow and ice and prevent skidding on frozen roads .
When shopping for winter tires , here are a few things to remember :
• Check for a logo that features a peaked mountain with a snowflake . This symbol differentiates winter tires from regular all-season tires .
• Consider the severity of weather in your area . If you get a lot of snow and ice , be sure to get tires that can handle those conditions .
• Purchase and install your winter tires in sets of four . Many retailers offer discounts for buying a set of four tires .
• Change your tires as soon as you need to . You can determine how worn your tires are by checking the tread-wear indicators .
• Do not mix tires of different sizes or treads . This can create unsafe driving conditions .
• Check the air pressure on your tires frequently . Not only does this practice help with the overall safety of your vehicle , it also optimizes fuel efficiency !
It ’ s also important to switch out your winter tires when the seasons change . Winter tires are not well suited to warmer weather conditions and will wear much more quickly . If you are diligent about changing your tires , they can last up to five years !
How This Affects You !
Though the choice to purchase winter tires is up to most drivers across Canada , some provinces have stepped in to promote and even mandate their use . Québéc has updated their Highway Safety Code to require all passenger vehicles registered in the province to have winter tires installed from December 15 to March 15 . Winter tires are mandatory in some mountain regions of British Columbia from October 1 to March 31 . In Ontario , insurance providers are required to provide a 5 percent discount to drivers who install winter tires !
At present , Alberta has no plans to legislate mandatory winter tires in the near future , so it will continue to be the driver ’ s choice and likely a highly debated topic . There are many factors motivating drivers to make the decision to switch , including continued advancement in winter tire technology , proven improvement on safety and our unpredictable winter driving conditions . Ultimately , the decision is up to the driver ; but the primary goal for everyone should be greater safety on our roads during winter months . �
news & views WINTER 2017 | 57