How to Choose the Best Winter Tires for Your Car: A 2024 Comprehensive Guide.
Selecting the appropriate winter tires can be a life-saving choice in snowy and icy conditions. With numerous options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This blog aims to simplify the process and provide peace of mind. So, let’s start!
First, let’s highlight some key considerations when choosing winter tires:
1. What's your tire size?
Tire sizes vary, so choosing winter tires that properly fit your vehicle is essential. This information is easy to find. Your vehicle's tire sizing requirements can be found on an information label typically located on the driver's side door frame. Tire sizes are displayed on their sidewall.
Once you have determined the correct tire size for your vehicle, you can focus on finding the best options for your needs! It's important only to install tires that are the right size, as this can lead to an unstable and uncomfortable driving experience and can also affect your vehicle's handling.
2. What type of driving do you do?
When choosing winter tires, consider your driving habits. Do you primarily drive on city roads, side roads, or highways? Are you a commuter, or do you drive less than 15 km daily? If you drive frequently, investing in high-quality tires is essential, especially if you drive a compact car, which is more prone to skidding in poor conditions. Tires with a good price-quality ratio will suffice if you mainly drive in the city.
3. What’s your climate like?
When picking the right winter tire, where you live matters a lot; if you're in an area with lots of snow and ice, studded tires are a great option because they give you a better grip in harsh weather. But if you're in a place with milder winters, you might not need studded tires.
4. What type of tread patterns and rubber compounds will you need for your environment?
Do you live in an area where temperatures reach frigid levels in the winter? The tread pattern, block edges, sipes, and rubber compound increase traction and braking performance on cold surfaces. More edges mean better cornering and lane changing at higher speeds, ultimately increasing your driving safety and comfort, even in those Albertan or BC winter conditions.
Directional tire tread patterns provide high protection against aquaplaning, excellent handling of snow and mud, and very good road-holding at high speeds. Asymmetric tire tread patterns offer exceptional handling, high curve stability, and good grip in wet conditions.
5. What’s your budget?
Your budget is important when choosing tires, but your safety comes first. If you are on a limited budget, take the time to compare prices, and don’t be afraid to visit several stores. Searching online can also help you make your decision. Look for deals and promotions and find out about any available financing plans!
Did you know? Go Auto's Lowest Price Guarantee offer on winter tires! Choose from a wide selection of high-quality winter tires from more than ten trusted brands. Plus, if you find a lower price elsewhere, we'll beat it by 5%. Learn more here.
Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
Winter tires are a better choice than all-season tires because of their construction. They are made with rubber compounds specifically designed to perform well in snowy, icy, and cold conditions. These dense rubber compounds allow winter tires to remain flexible and maintain strong grip and maneuverability in low temperatures.
On the other hand, all-season tires are made with compounds meant to compromise, meaning they don't excel in any specific season. These compounds cause all-season tires to harden in cold temperatures, reducing traction and making it more challenging to turn, accelerate, and brake in winter conditions.
Tips for Maintaining Winter Tires
You've found the perfect match. Now, it’s time to ensure you are properly maintaining and caring for your winter tires to extend their value and longevity.
Maintain proper tire pressure: Remember that tire pressure decreases in cold weather, so it's crucial to monitor it regularly. Proper tire inflation is essential for optimal handling on snow and ice. Improperly inflated tires can significantly impact performance on dry roads, especially in wintry conditions. Taking the time to check and maintain tire pressure is a small investment that can help your snow tires perform as they are designed to.
Optimize off-season maintenance and storage: Snow tires endure a lot during a Canadian winter. When replacing them with all-season tires, you have another chance to extend their lifespan. Giving them a thorough wash will remove salt and other chemicals that can corrode and weaken the rubber while in storage.
When to Install Winter Tires
According to the AMA, drivers should consider switching to winter tires when the average temperatures dip below 7°C. Changing tires already mounted on rims is faster and usually less expensive. Not having your summer wheels exposed to salt, gravel, and scrapes of winter will also lengthen their life.
Get Ready for Winter with Go Auto!
Shop for your winter tires today at Go Auto! Explore a wide selection of high-quality winter tires from over ten trusted brands. Plus, if you find a lower price elsewhere, we'll beat it by 5%. Know what you want? Order here.
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