Driving in the winter here in Ontario can be dangerous. Snowy, icy and otherwise compromising driving conditions can lead to any number of difficult driving situations. It’s important that your vehicle is well-equipped and ready. While winter tires aren’t mandatory in Ontario like they are in other provinces, they are a good idea for anyone who plans on driving in cold weather conditions.
Traction in Cold Weather
Winter tires are specifically designed to perform well in cold weather. The rubber on normal tires gets harder as it gets colder, which greatly reduces traction control. The rubber on winter tires will stay soft and tacky as it gets colder allowing the tires to grip the road even in very low temperatures.
Insurance Discounts
Thanks to a budget initiative passed in April 2015, drivers in Ontario will receive insurance discounts for having and using winter tires.
If you plan to do any driving in cold, snowy, icy or otherwise hazardous weather, it is highly recommended that you install winter tires on your vehicle. Here are a few tips for using winter tires:
Get Winter Tires For Each Wheel
Installing four winter tires, instead of just two for two-wheel drive cars, will ensure that your vehicle handles properly in all winter conditions, ensuring that the ABS and electronic-stability systems function properly.
Only Use Your Winter Tires in the Winter
Don’t leave your winter tires on all year round. Winter tires do not handle or stop very well on dry and wet roads in warmer months.
Mount Your Winter Tires on an Extra Set of Steel Rims
Winter tires perform better in narrower widths than your normal street tires. To allow for the different sizes and to avoid the inconvenience of having to have your tires switched over every year, mount your winter tires on the second set of steel rims. You don’t need fancy rims for winter, so plain steel rims will do just fine and save you a lot of money. You will also save a lot of money at the shop by only needing your wheels changed out and not an entire wheel swap.
Purchase Your Winter Tires and Rims from an Authorized Toyota Dealer
The dealer where you bought your car will know exactly the best size and type of winter tires you’ll need for your car.
Check Your Tire Pressure Once a Month
When the temperature drops, so will the pressure in your tires. To make sure your tires are properly inflated, check your tire pressure at least once a month, and add air as necessary.
At Georgetown Toyota, we are greatly concerned about your safety. If you have any questions about winter tires, or which ones are right for your car, don’t hesitate to ask. When you’re ready to have your winter tires installed, give us a call to schedule a service appointment.
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