Your Guide to Winter Tires in British Columbia

Your Guide to Winter Tires in British Columbia

Winter driving is incredibly challenging. From heavy snowfall and black ice to freezing rain and slush, winter roads present many hazards. At Westminster Toyota, we strive to keep you safe on the road in winter, and that starts with winter tires. Here's a guide on all things winter tires to help keep you safe this winter!

Winter Tires and Performance

When the temperature starts to drop beyond 7 degrees Celsius, the rubber in all-season and summer tires begins to harden and become less effective. Winter tires are designed to handle sub-zero temperatures with ease. Here are some of the benefits of winter tires!

Special Tread Pattern

Winter tires are formulated with a special tread pattern that provides enhanced traction and maximizes the tires' ability to safely grip the road. This tread pattern keeps tires performing optimally even in environments as cold as -30 degrees Celsius. The wider and deeper grooves in the tread pattern allow for more robust traction and grip on snow and ice. The specially designed trade pattern works to reduce snow build-up, expel water, and bite into ice, which minimizes the chance of the car sliding. 

Flexibility and Pressure

Some of the advantages that winter tires provide are their ability to stay flexible on cold and icy roads. The added flexibility of winter tires lets them conform to the road better. This means reduced chances of slip and better control over the road. Winter tires are also engineered to handle low temperatures without losing tire pressure.

Better Braking

When it comes to optimum performance and safety, braking is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Winter tires allow the car to have a 30% better braking distance compared to a car with all-season tires installed. This means winter tires allow for better reaction times and reduced chances of collisions.

Resistance to Hydroplaning

Winter tires are also more resistant to hydroplaning, which is when water on the road causes your tires to lose contact with the road and skid over the water. The enhanced traction, better flexibility, and deep grooves on winter tires push water to the sides and reduce the chances of sliding on wet roads.

When to Install Winter Tires

In British Columbia, winter tires legally must be installed by the 1^st of October. We recommend doing it a little earlier and not waiting until the last minute. Many Service Centres have long lineups and wait times, so don't risk going into October with your winter tires not yet installed.