Is It Worth Investing in Winter Tires in 2024? Pros, Cons, and Cost Benefits.
Winter is approaching, and soon, we'll wake up to the first snowfall. In areas with icy and slippery winter conditions like Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, or the Greater BC area, having the right winter tires can significantly improve safety on the road and help keep your insurance rates low. However, some people are still unsure if it's worth the investment.
Did you know? The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s 2023 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study shows that winter tire usage had grown to 76 percent. Excluding Quebec, where the winter tires are mandatory, 71 per cent of the Canadian drivers will use winter tires in the 2023/2024 winter season.
In this blog, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of winter tires to help you decide whether investing in them is the right choice for your driving needs to help you answer the question, are winter tires really worth it?
Let's start with a clear overview of winter tires' simple pros and cons.
Pros of Winter Tires
- There’s better traction - Winter tires provide better grip on ice and snow due to specially designed tread patterns with large blocks and deep grooves that prevent snow buildup.
- It extends the life of all-season tires - When you swap out your regular all-season tires for winter tires, you are extending their lifespan by not using them all year round. While you may have to invest in two sets of tires, in the long term, you will save money.
- It’s the safest option – Winter roads can be intimidating, especially in Edmonton, Red Deer, Calgary, or the Greater BC area. For peace of mind and safety on the road, it’s highly recommended to have winter tires installed.
- You might be required by law – In some regions of Canada you are required to have winter tires on your vehicle during the winter season. For example, Quebec mandates winter tires from December 1 to March 15. It’s essential to check the specific regulations in your area to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines.
- Specialized rubber - Winter tires are constructed with a specialized rubber compound that remains flexible in freezing temperatures. This flexibility enhances traction on icy and snowy surfaces.
Cons of Winter Tires
- The extra cost—As discussed in this blog, buying winter tires entails an additional cost and a significant investment, which may have financial implications for your family.
- The extra time and money for installation - Swapping to winter tires and then changing back to all-seasons in the spring requires time, money, and installation costs for both tire sets.
- Storage – When your winter or all-season tires are not in use, ensure proper tire storage. This may involve using your garage or storage space or finding a dry place to store them.
- Rough on roads – The deep tread grip of winter tires can dig into the asphalt on the road, so you should only use them during the winter. If you drive with snow tires year-round, you can damage your tires and the road, causing potholes and cracks in the asphalt.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
We’ve reviewed the pros and cons, but let’s conduct a more detailed cost-benefit analysis.
- Upfront costs vs. potential accident prevention - investing in winter tires may seem expensive at first, but it is a worthwhile investment in your safety and the lifespan of your vehicle. They can help you prevent accidents and potential repair expenses, which can far exceed the tires' cost.
- Extended lifespan of summer/all-season tires by alternating - winter tires are pricier upfront but essentially serve as a second set of tires. Buying both all-season and winter tires gives you two sets of tires. If you were to buy two sets of all-season tires, the overall cost would be about the same.
- Potential discounts on insurance for winter tire usage - most insurance companies offer a 2 – 5% winter tire discount. If you pay $2000 for your auto insurance premiums, you could save upwards of $100 simply by doing something that makes sense anyway.
Cost Factors
When shopping for winter tires, two significant factors will impact the total cost: the tire size and the brand. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when buying a set.
- Tire Size - The size of your tires significantly affects the price. Smaller tires (14" to 15") are cheaper than larger ones for trucks, SUVs, or high-performance vehicles. Wider and lower aspect ratio tires are also more expensive, especially for performance vehicles.
- Brand - The brand and origin of a tire are important factors. Tires from US or European companies tend to be more expensive due to higher labour costs and strict manufacturing standards. Brands like Michelin, Pirelli, and Goodyear are known for top-tier quality but have a higher price tag. On the other hand, Chinese and Asian-based tire brands offer more budget-friendly options, but the trade-off may be in quality and longevity. It's important to balance price with expected durability and performance, especially in harsh winter conditions.
- Other Additional Cost Factors - Special features like studding or run-flat capabilities can also increase the cost of winter tires. High-performance tires designed for sporty vehicles also come at a premium due to better handling and traction.
So, before that first snowfall hits, if you feel that winter tires are the right decision for you, contact Go Auto for trusted expert advice, browse available tire options, and take advantage of seasonal promotions or financing plans to make the investment more manageable.
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