Who Needs Winter Tires?

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT Winter Tire 

With the onset of winter, the rush to buy or install snow tires is about to hit high gear. Whether buying from a reputable tire dealer or from someone selling snow tires through the classifieds, there are always a few questions that come up. We hope to be able to answer a few of the more common questions and make a decision easier for you!

The decision to buy snow tires is usually made for one of two reasons: Travel to or through snowy or icy areas, or peace of mind - If that bad winter is going to hit us like they say every few years then best be prepared right?

In a large metropolitan area, like where we are, the absolute need for winter tires is fairly low.  Most people live near a well-traveled, well-maintained road network that is usually cleared on a timely basis after a snowfall.  There are spots within these areas that can be harder hit, but sometimes two or three days is all we get and then it's back to normal Vancouver winter weather. In other words, wet, windy and dull.  The people that go skiing, travel the province's highways and the mountains or are on the road for their jobs on a regular basis are more likely to put snow tires on in the fall and take them off in the spring.

Whether winter tires are right for you or not is really your decision (here in B.C. at least). There are chain and winter tire regulations on our highways at different times of the year but for the most part the onus is on the driver.  If you can stay at home when it snows, you can save some money.



Mountain and Snowflake
symbol

So, what is a winter tire?  For all intents and purposes, a winter tire is one marked with the mountain/snowflake symbol as shown to the right.  This symbol indicates that the tire is specially constructed to a certain standard to handle cold, snowy and icy conditions using a different rubber compound and tread design suited especially for this use.  All-season tires do not meet these standards and cannot be relied upon in poor winter driving conditions to provide control and stability.

As to the question of whether two or four winter tires are required, the answer is that while two will technically work, four are always recommended.  This is to ensure that all four corners of the car have equal traction for acceleration, braking and maneuvering in all types of situations.  Proper grip from a snow tire helps the traction control, anti-lock brake and skid controls systems all work correctly by providing the best friction between the tire and the driving surface.

One consideration when shopping for snow tires is budget, of course.  Is a cheap winter tire any good?  A less-expensive tire may work just as well as a more expensive one.  As long as the mountain and snowflake are there, the tire is certified to work to the winter standard. A more expensive name-brand tire may benefit from more durable construction and more advanced design and handling characteristics but in any case an inexpensive set of proper winter tires is better than an expensive set of used all-seasons for secure winter driving. 

Another consideration is the cost of putting the tires on and taking them off every season. Costs can vary for mounting and balancing but on average a price of about $100 per season can be expected.  This involves taking the summer tires off and installing the winter tires onto the same rims in the fall and the opposite procedure in the spring.  Another option is to purchase an extra set of winter rims, usually plain steel, to mount the snow tires on full-time.  It is a higher upfront cost but some handy people can then swap their own tires over in the driveway.  This saves money and wear and tear on the tires themselves.  Can winter tires be used all year?  Yes, but they will neither last very long nor be good for handling in dry conditions.  That is not what they are designed for.  The rubber compound is too soft and the tread design is not meant for year-round driving.

Ultimately, snow tires can be a large expense, but one that can be spread out over many years.  It is not unusual to have a set of winter tires last three or four seasons (years).  This means longer life for your regular all-seasons as well!

If you are in the market for new winter tires, give us a call and let us help you make the right choice.  We carry a wide range of Goodyear and other brands to make sure you get the tire that's best for you.