Winter tires. To change or not to change, that is the question!
November is both the coldest and the hottest month, as far as tires are concerned. It is the coldest for summer and all-season tires, which suffer significant loss of performance characteristics at a temperature of + 7 ° C. At the same time this month is the hottest for car service workers, who work tirelessly to install winter tires on cars as temperatures begin to plummet.
Benefits of winter tires:
- Better grip. All winter tires have a very soft rubber compound that remains flexible even when the temperature drops, and this provides better handling control. Their unique tread patterns and wider grooves increase grip on snow, ice, slush and water that cuts through the channels, avoiding the effect of hydroplaning.
- Superior braking. Having a good grip is crucial in poor weather conditions. This ensures that a car will stop quickly, particularly when you need to reduce stopping distance on wet, snowy and icy road surfaces.
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Things to Remember:
- Always install winter tires in a matching set on all four wheels. This helps ensure easier handling with better control and balance in these tricky driving conditions.
- Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflation reduces the risk of your tires, increases fuel consumption, leads to longer stopping distance, and lowers vehicle manoeuvrability.
- Always keep all the valve-caps on. If they are left off, there can be a moisture- freeze inside the valve and the air will escape.
For us at Right Way Auto Repair, to change or not to change isn’t the question. It’s when? And the answer is- when the temperature outside is around 7 C!!! Slip winter tires on to your car when the temperature reaches 7 degrees. Usually, in Canada, this tends to be in October. You will then not only be ready for the first snowfall but can also avoid long waiting times due to increasing demand and a limited supply of winter tires.
Whether you are in the market for new winter tires or need a seasonal tire change, you have the following options:
- Give us a call at (905) 381-9285. Our staff can help you find the best tires for your vehicle, based on your driving habits, the condition of the roads you frequent, and your budget.
- Schedule your appointment online. Our specialists will be happy to assist you and handle all your tire servicing needs, such as mounting, installation and balancing as well as wheel alignment.
In Conclusion:
Let's face it - winter tires don’t come cheap, but then neither does life! After all, they only need to save your life once, to justify the investment.
