[PRESENTED BY OK TIRE]

The chill in the air has made it clear that winter is right around the corner! With restrictions around international travel, more Canadians will be looking to set out on road trips this holiday season, moving into peak winter months. Canadian winters are known for a whole host of scary driving scenarios like skidding, sliding, and hydroplaning. In conditions like these, you will want to make sure you do everything to keep you and your loved ones safe while driving.

OK Tire stores are locally owned, and every owner possesses in-depth local experience and knowledge to help prepare your vehicle for unique driving scenarios. Gabe Scavone, the owner of OK Tire Weston, has compiled a list of commonly asked questions and offers tips so you can hit the road with complete peace of mind.

Do you recommend a maintenance check before winter?

A full-service preventive inspection is encouraged to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the winter. This should include a check of your battery, belts and brakes along with topping up or changing engine coolant, oil and windshield washer fluid.

Is there anything that will make this winter season different from previous seasons?

Due to international travel restrictions, I predict more people might be using their vehicles for winter getaways versus flying somewhere warm. We know that many snowbirds are also staying in Canada so they will have to deal with winter driving and the prep that goes into that. We are recommending drivers get their winter tires on early to avoid the rush and if you’re a driver who hasn’t experienced a Canadian winter in a while please ask your auto service technician questions to ensure there is nothing you are missing to help keep you and your vehicle safe this winter.

Is there anything drivers can do themselves to prep their vehicles for winter?

I always recommend drivers keep an emergency kit in their vehicle, but this becomes especially important in the colder winter months. This kit should include booster cables, a flashlight, fluorescent flags, non-perishable food items, a cellphone charger, blankets, hats and gloves along with a first aid kit. I also recommend keeping a shovel to help dig out in case you get stuck in the snow. It is a good practice to book an appointment and check your vehicle to ensure you have proper tires for the winter conditions you will be driving in.

Are there any mistakes drivers commonly make in the winter that could be dangerous to them or their vehicle?

There are a few things drivers do that could potentially put their vehicle, themselves and other road users at risk. Not clearing snow off your entire vehicle (including the roof) before you set out could mean it flies off while driving causing yours or another driver’s view of the road to be obstructed.

Another concern is a vehicle's tailpipe becoming blocked with snow without the driver realizing it. This can lead to exhaust backing up into the car’s cabin leading to a potentially fatal situation due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Always be sure to check your tailpipe before setting out or idling when you’re dealing with snow.

What is the difference between all season, all weather and winter tires? 

The main differences between all season, all weather and winter tires is the rubber compound used in the tread of the tire, and the design of the biting edges, additional siping for traction and water evacuation. All season tires perform best during the warmer months of April-September. When the average daily high temperature slips below 7°C, the rubber compound in all season tires does not retain its pliability (becomes hard ), thusly reducing traction and increasing braking distance. 

All weather tires use a rubber compound that remains more pliable in colder temperatures and also have a more aggressive tread design. They also carry the universal three-peak mountain snowflake symbol like winter tires. They can be used year-round and are best for drivers in milder winter climates but not recommended for those who drive in areas that experience considerably colder temperatures and harsh winter conditions. Winter tires are best if you drive in an area that experiences colder temperatures and heavy snowfall throughout the season, as they give you the most control on icy and snow-covered roads. Furthermore, they have two to three times the number of sipes than conventional all-weather tires, providing hundreds of extra biting edges for better traction.

When should you consider changing your tires?

You should get your winter tires on once the average daily temperature high slips below 7°C consistently for a few days in a row. Waiting until the first snowfall might mean longer wait times at your auto shop and a chance you will put yourself in a risky situation as your all season tires aren’t equipped to deal with the inclement weather.