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Throughout Canada, winter driving can be a challenge, with ice, snow, slush, and freezing rain making roads hazardous. You need tires that are built for safe driving in all kinds of winter driving conditions, but how do you decide which tires to buy? Don't worry. You got this.
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The winter conditions you'll be driving in will have the biggest impact on the type of tires you need. When the temperature falls below seven degrees Celsius, rubber can stiffen up and make traction and braking more difficult. But winter tires are the safest option because they're made of special compounds to improve traction, stopping, and handling when temperatures dip. Winter tires are also covered with grooves and small channels that move water and slush away to the sides, and tiny slits called sipes, which create extra biting edges on snow and ice. This helps the tires maintain contact with the road.
All-season tires, despite their name, are not designed for use in these conditions. If you live in a Canadian city, chances are the roads you drive on in winter are often covered in slush and salty water rather than ice and snow. While dedicated winter tires offer the best winter traction and are the top choice if you do a lot of winter driving, another option is all-weather tires, not to be confused with all-season tires.
All-weather tires are versatile. They provide good winter traction and can be used year round. Plus, being able to keep the same tires on your vehicle year round means there's no need to find storage space for a second set. Your tires should be the same size as the tires your vehicle came with, unless you're interested in a sportier look and feel.
To find out what the standard size of tires is for your vehicle, look in the owner's manual or on the doorjamb. You can also check the sidewall of your current tires. If you want to change the look of your car or if you'll be changing your tires seasonally, you may want to buy a tires and wheels package from Canadian Tire. Having wheels in both your winter and all-season tires will save you money every time you need to switch.
If you've narrowed down your choices to either winter tires or all-weather tires, you can take a look at how they've been rated in our tough tire tests. We test our winter rated tires for dry and wet handling, ice and snow, gas mileage, and comfort on closed tracks with unbiased experts. The ratings help you compare tires based on the weather conditions you'll be driving in.
No matter what kind of winter weather you face on the road this year, the right tires will give you more control and confidence. Don't worry. You got this.
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