Benefits of Swapping to Winter Tires

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Benefits of Swapping to Winter Tires

Posted on November 22, 2023

Winter is on the horizon, and with it comes the age-old Canadian question: "Is it really worth switching to winter tires?" While summer and all-season tires serve their purpose, there's a compelling case for making the switch to winter tires as the temperature starts to plummet.

 

Designed for the Cold Weather

While many Canadians associate winter tires primarily with snow and ice, their advantages go beyond merely tackling slippery surfaces. One fundamental difference lies in their composition. Unlike their summer or all-season counterparts, winter tires contain a higher proportion of natural rubber.

This unique composition allows them to remain flexible even when the weather drops below 7 degrees Celsius. This flexibility translates to better handling on dry, cold roads, offering drivers a smoother and safer driving experience even in the absence of snow.

 

Longer Tire Life

There's also a financial incentive to consider. With winter tires crafted to endure cold conditions, they don't harden or wear out as quickly as summer or all-season tires would when exposed to temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius.

Moreover, by rotating between sets, the overall wear on both summer and all-season tires is significantly reduced. This lessened wear ensures that you get more kilometres out of each set, making the initial investment in winter tires worth it in the long run.

 

Save Your Rims Too

Opting for separate rims for your winter tires is a savvy move. This strategy eliminates the repeated costs associated with tire installation and balancing every season. Additionally, using a separate, perhaps more affordable set of rims for winter driving can save your premium rims from potential damage due to road salts or unexpected curbside collisions.

 

All-Season Tires: A Misnomer?

"All-season" might be a tad misleading. While these tires can handle sporadic cold snaps and light snow, the relentless Canadian winter is a different beast altogether. As snow accumulates and temperatures remain consistently below freezing, all-season tires fail to provide the traction and softness winter tires offer. Plus, let's not forget that provinces like Quebec mandate the use of winter tires during specific periods.

 

Preserve Your Warranty

For those who have invested in summer or all-season tires that come with a tread wear warranty, driving in freezing temperatures could jeopardize this guarantee. Manufacturers can often deduce if a tire has been compromised due to cold exposure, potentially leading to premature wear.

 

Head to Yorkton Dodge

Switching to winter tires might seem like an added chore, but the safety and financial benefits are hard to overlook. By making this seasonal transition, Canadian drivers can ensure a safer, smoother, and more economical winter driving experience. At Yorkton Dodge, we prioritize your safety and are here to guide you in making the best choices for your vehicle. Remember, the best offence against winter's unpredictability is a good defence, and nothing defends better on Canadian roads than a reliable set of winter tires.