Winter is around the corner, and that means our roads are not far from being icy, slushy, snowy, and more dangerous to drive on. Many people feel like all-season tires are all they need to handle winter driving, but in a place like Saskatchewan where we get extreme conditions throughout the season, this is not the case! Here are some reasons why you should get winter tires every year once winter arrives.
They might be called all-season, and you can use them all year, but that doesn’t mean you should. Think of all-season tires like wearing a light jacket all year round. It’s comfortable in mild weather, but when winter arrives with snow and ice, that jacket won’t keep you warm enough. Similarly, all-season tires are designed to perform decently in various conditions but don't excel in extreme cold and snow. Winter tires, on the other hand, are like a heavy-duty winter coat—specifically made to handle the harshness of winter, keeping you safe and secure on icy and snowy roads.
There is a reason you don’t see tires that are completely smooth. The thinnest grooves—or “sipes”—along your tire allow it to grip the road underneath and prevent slipping. Winter tires have siping that is specifically made to clear the snow, slush, and ice away from the center of your tire. This allows the tire to have more direct contact with the road, resulting in the traction you need to stop sliding. Combined with the larger grooves on the tire, you’re less likely to lose control when you use winter tires.
Imagine you soak two sponges in water and then freeze one of them. If you try to slide them both across the table, the frozen one will slide no problem, while the wet one will stick to its spot well because it is still flexible enough to create friction.
Not all tires are made from the same rubber, and the rubber used in winter tires is specifically designed to stay soft—like the wet sponge—in sub-zero temperatures. A stiff tire will slide on a slippery surface, but a tire that is softer can mold itself to the tiny imperfections in the road.
This means when you need to brake suddenly or take a sharp turn, you are less likely to slide. In fact, winter tires can stop up to 3 times faster than summer or all-season tires.
As you can see, winter tires are the obvious choice for protecting you and your loved ones throughout the winter. The best time to put them on your vehicle is when temperatures are consistently at 7°C or colder. If you’ll be doing winter travel on the road this year, don’t risk hitting the highway without them! You always want to ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires. Don’t forget your emergency kit as well!
If you are looking for great providers to supply you with tires, CAA Rewards can help! Members can earn 20 CAA Dollars with the purchase of four eligible tires at Pirelli, or 10% off tire sales at Mr. Lube in Regina.
As always, if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation on the road, CAA Saskatchewan is here to help. You can reach CAA Roadside Assistance online, through our app, or by calling 1.800.222.4357. We also provide auto insurance that can keep you and your vehicle covered in all situations. Members can get 10% off their Auto Extension Insurance when bundled with home insurance. Reach out to our team if you want to learn more and stay safe out there!