Do You Need Snow Tires or Are All-Season Tires Sufficient for Driving Between Hamilton and St. Catharines?
Q: I live in downtown Hamilton and drive my sedan to and from St. Catharines for work. Do I need snow tires or are my all-season tires sufficient?
A: With the winter season upon us, we are reminded that ice, snow and cold weather can affect our driving conditions and how our vehicles will handle the road. This means your ability to drive safely will be affected when you are faced with winter road conditions. Ensuring that you have good quality snow tires on your vehicle is one factor that 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 snow tires on snow or ice. In cold and lower temperatures, all season tires lose their elasticity and grip on the road.
Although winter tires can be viewed as expensive, the benefits may outweigh the cost. They can extend the life of your other tires significantly and provide a financial savings in this respect. Insurance companies have also recognized the benefit of snow tires and offer discounted premiums for vehicles equipped with them.
Winter tires are an essential in our Canadian winter season and will increase your ability to drive safely on the roadway.
