Are winter tires mandatory in Ontario?
This article was originally published by The Hamilton Spectator.
Q: Is it mandatory to have snow tires in Ontario?
A: With the winter season upon us, we’re reminded that ice, snow, and cold weather can affect driving conditions and how our vehicles will perform on the road. This means your ability to drive safely could be affected when you are faced with winter road conditions.
Although winter tires are not legally required in Ontario, having good quality snow tires on your vehicle will reduce your risk of having an accident involving winter conditions.
Winter tires are designed for lower temperatures, with softer rubber and deep treads. They stop faster, grip better and are more maneuverable than all-season tires. While all-season tires are designed for all types of weather, they simply do not perform as well as winter tires on snow or ice. This is because, in lower temperatures, all-season tires lose their elasticity and grip on the road.
Many perceive winter tires as expensive, but the benefits may outweigh the cost. Thinking long-term, winter tires can extend the life of your warm weather tires significantly, which means they need to be replaced less often. Insurance companies have also recognized the benefit of snow tires and offer discounted premiums for vehicles equipped with them. You may also want to consider what the cost of a potential injury or vehicle repairs could be in the event of an accident related to poor winter road conditions.
So, while not mandatory, winter tires are an essential in our Canadian climate and will increase your ability to drive safely on the roadway.
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