Beginner’s Guide To GT Radial Winter Tires: Find What’s Right For You

Looking to upgrade your winter driving capabilities in 2021? Today’s post shares some beginner tips for buying the best GT Radial winter tires for your unique needs and budget.

Read on or contact your local TIRECRAFT to speak with a specialist straight away.

How To Choose GT Radial Winter Tires With TIRECRAFT

• Determine your tire size—You’ll find a code (e.g. P225/60 R17) on the sidewall of your existing tire set. The first number (e.g. 225) refers to the width of the tread in millimeters; the second number (E.g. 60) represents the ratio between the top of the tire and the width of the tread; and the third number (e.g. 17) indicates the interior diameters of the tire in inches. Be sure to buy tires that fit these dimensions. Don’t worry—if you need help, your TIRECRAFT consultant can identify the best tire size for your vehicle, and create a shortlist of GT Radial winter tire options that fit.
• Consider your daily drives—GT Radial offers a complete lineup of winter tire options, ranging from the performance-focused, all-season CHAMPIRO Touring A/S to more aggressive winter tire options, like the GT Radial CHAMPIRO IcePro SUV. To determine which tire category is right for you, consider the types of roads you drive on most often. If you mainly drive in the city, all-seasons will likely do the trick, whereas those facing more serious winter road conditions should consider dedicated snow tires.
• Create a feature wish list—What’s more important to you: braking/traction, handling/cornering, comfort/road noise control, or cost-effectiveness? You don’t need to be a tire or automotive expert to rank these in rough order of priority, and this extra bit of thought will give your TIRECRAFT consultant a lot more to work with.
• Set a budget and stick to it—While you never have to max out your budget, it’s important to set a hard limit and work within it. Don’t worry—at TIRECRAFT, it’s easy. We have a huge selection of tire options in all price ranges, and we help customers save even more money with the MyTIRECRAFT Rewards App, our ongoing Discounts and Promotions, and the Advantage Plus Program.

To Stud Or Not To Stud—the GT Radial Winter Tire Question

GT Radial’s winter tire range features a number of studdable options, including:

• The IcePro3—14-18”, M+S rated, with optimal stud distribution of up to 140 stud pin holes
• The CHAMPIRO IcePro—13-17”, M+S rated, with special stud distribution to enhance grip and reduce noise levels
• The IcePro SUV3—16-20”, M+S rated, with optimized stud distribution of up to 156 stud pin holes for better braking and traction in your winter SUV & pickup
• The CHAMPIRO IcePro SUV—15-19”, M+S rated, with special stud distribution for enhance traction and comfort in your winter SUV & pickup
• The CHAMPIRO IcePro2—16-18”, M+S rated, and available in heavy duty 10-ply LT specification sizes, with unique stud distribution designed for better braking without compromising comfort

But all of these studdable GT Radial winter tires are also available studless—and in some parts of the country, studs aren’t even allowed. So how do you determine what’s best for you?

Start by assessing your driving needs. For most drivers in Northern Ontario, studded tires simply aren’t necessary, especially when you’re already investing in snow performance by choosing a top tire brand. However, if you intend to drive in severe winter road conditions, studs may be worthwhile.

If you see value is studs, the next step is to review the legality of studded tires in your area. It’s a common misconception that studded tires are banned in Canada, when they’re really perfectly legal almost anywhere. Since the laws change from province to province, and even inside provincial lines, it’s best to consult with your local TIRECRAFT expert. For instance, in Northern Ontario, studdable GT Radial winter tires are permitted between September 1st and May 31st, but they’re banned in Southern Ontario.

Book a free GT Radial winter tire consultation at your local TIRECRAFT to get all the answers!

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