Snow Tire Faq: 5 Things To Know Before You Buy Winter Tires

Snow season is on its way—do you still need to buy winter tires? In today’s post, we answer 5 of the most common questions we get about winter tires, to help you save time and shop smarter.

Read on to learn 5 things you ought to know before you buy winter tires, or contact your local TIRECRAFT to start a personalized winter tire consultation right away.

Are Winter Tires Required By Law?

No, winter tires are not required by law in Ontario, but they are highly recommended for those who may be driving in the snow-belt regions of southern Ontario and throughout the north.

Do Winter Tires Really Make A Difference?

Yes, they really do!

In a day and age where we’re constantly being bombarded with marketing hyperbole, it’s only natural to be a little skeptical about any products making big claims, so you might be wondering where winter tires are really all they’re cracked up to be.

Well, take heart: truth in advertising exists, at least when it comes to winter tires, and there’s a large (and growing) body of research out there to prove it.

For example:

• The Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s “Winter Driving” report found that winter tires can shorten braking distance on snowy roads by as much as 25%.
• In one study by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), winter tires outperformed all-seasons while braking in a straight line, accelerating in a straight line, and executing avoidance manoeuvres on snowy roads.
• According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s (TRAC) 2020 Winter Tire survey, 88% of respondents believe winter tires have helped them avoid collisions and dangerous losses of control while driving on snowy roads.

Will I Get An Insurance Discount If I Buy Winter Tires?

As part of Ontario’s winter tire driving incentive program, all private insurance companies in Ontario must offer a winter tire insurance discount. For example, you can get a 5% discount on your CAA Auto Insurance premiums if you install four winter tires on your vehicle before November 20th and keep them on until April 15th. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your potential discounts and find out what documentation may be required.

Do I Need 4 Winter Tires, Or Can I Get By With 2?

Always buy winter tires in sets of 4. Mixing tires will create dangerous imbalances that will both increase wear-and-tear and put you at higher risk of a dangerous loss of control. Additionally, if you buy 4 or more winter tires at once, you may be eligible to get cash back with a TIRECRAFT tire rebate.

Can I Downside From My OEM Tire Size When I Buy Winter Tires?

In most cases, yes. In fact, if things are sized correctly, moving to a smaller and narrower tire can actually improve winter traction and driving safety, since sleeker tires often have an easier time cutting through dense snow.

However, you should contact your local TIRECRAFT technician first, as there are many technical factors to consider. Improper downsizing can be dangerous.

Buy Winter Tires Near Me: Contact TIRECRAFT

Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to start your free winter tire consultation.

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