Winter Tire Buying Guide
Winter tires play a large role in winter road safety. They not only provide drivers with better traction and control, they also instill confidence in you to drive safe during all types of road conditions.
Even though drivers know investing in winter tires is the smart thing to do, choosing the right tire for your vehicle is not as simple as picking the set that is on sale. Winter tires vary based on the type of vehicle you drive, wheel size, performance, pricing and other factors.
The following serves as a guide that will help you with the winter tire purchase process:
When to buy winter tires
Ideally, drivers should invest in winter tires each time they get a new vehicle. Buying winter tires tends to be one of those things you say you are going to do, but forget to follow up on.
Many auto dealers offer winter tires as an additional option when purchasing a vehicle, so consider the costs with this option.
Buying winter tires during the fall is prime season. All tire companies offer sales and incentives for people to purchase winter tires.
The price of winter tires varies based on your vehicle, tire size, and type of tires you buy. Expect to pay anywhere from $125 per tire to well over $300 per tire. As a general rule, tires will cost more if you drive a truck or SUV compared to a compact car.
When to install winter tires
The standard rule for installing winter tires is to wait until the weather falls to an average temperature of 7 Degrees Celsius (45 Fahrenheit) or below.
For Ontarians, this often means the first few weeks in November, but it will vary from year to year. If you want to avoid the long wait lists, it’s best to install your winter tires as soon as the temperature reaches the 7 degrees threshold. This often happens in late October. Most drivers wait until November.
Most companies that sell winter tires can also install them for you – for a fee. Shop around and look for shops that offer the lowest installation fee to save some money. Remember you are also going to have to pay to have your winter tires removed in the spring.
Tire storage is also another consideration. Some companies will also offer tire storage services for a fee. If you don’t have space at home this might be an option. Or you could find a friend or family member that has some extra space in their basement or garage.
All-season tires are NOT ideal for winter driving
There is a common misconception that exists about all-season tires. While all-season tires are designed to provide all weather performance, their effect diminishes when the temperature falls below 7 Degrees Celsius. They are effective for driving on dry and wet roads and during warm weather, but not when the temperature falls below freezing.
What happens to all-season tires during winter road conditions?
- They lose elasticity and tend to harden
- They have less traction
- It takes you longer to stop
- Drivers have less control
- You are more prone to sliding on icy roads
Benefits of winter tires
- Better grip on roads
- Better braking capabilities
- More control
- Grooves on winter tires are designed to channel away snow and water
- Improved safety
- Peace of mind when driving
Tips on how to choose winter tires
- Price is only one factor: Many people shop on price alone. However, like anything else, you get what you pay for. Focus on consumer ratings and reviews, in addition to price when choosing a tire.
- Make sure you choose the right size: Make sure you are purchasing the correct size of tire. Your tire size is listed on the side of your tire. Look for a number resembling “225/45HR17”
- Buy the same brand for all tires: Mixing tires with different tread patterns will negatively impact vehicle stability. Avoid mixing and matching tires of different wear patterns, age, and brand.
- Buy 4 tires: Many people, as a way to cut costs, opt for 2 winter tires. Putting winter tires on the vehicles drive tires only is not as effective as 4 winter tires.
- Buy used with caution: Approach buying used winter tires with caution. You can buy used, but you need to make sure you that you are buying tires with adequate tread and minimal wear. In order for winter tires to be effective, you need to have 6/32nds or more tire depth.
Learn More About The Importance of Winter Tires
When Is It Time To Put On Your Winter Tires?