How Winter Tires Work & Why You Need Them in Ontario Winters

To make sure you drive safely in winter, one of the smartest moves is switching to winter tires. At Bourgeois Motors Ford, we’re often asked: “How do winter tires work?” or “Do I actually need them?” Although there is no legislation requiring the use of winter tires in Ontario, the transportation department says that snow tires are strongly recommended because they’re proven to improve safety and vehicle performance in slippery conditions. To help sort out your concern, read on with our team as we answer these frequently asked questions, covering how winter tires work, their key benefits, and when to install them.

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What Are Winter Tires & How Do They Work?

Most drivers think they don’t need winter tires if their car is equipped with all-wheel drive. Sure, all-wheel drive improves acceleration and traction, especially when starting from a stop. But it doesn’t help much when it comes to steering or braking on snow or ice. Winter tires, like what the name suggests, are specifically engineered to handle the unique demands of cold-weather driving. Compared to all-season or summer tires, winter tires’ specialized rubber material is able to stay flexible when the temperature drops below 7 degrees, and by the time it hits, it allows the tires to grip the road better, instead of stiffening up. Besides the rubber, winter tires have aggressive tread patterns that push snow away from the tire, which helps reduce the risk of slipping on ice. As well, many also have thousands of tiny slits in the tread, called sipes, that grip the ice for better traction.

Benefits of Winter Tires

Below, our service team at Bourgeois Motors Ford has listed some of the key benefits that make winter tires an essential part of safe driving during Midland winters:

• Better Braking: Winter tires shorten your stopping distance in cold conditions, even on dry pavement. That extra few feet could be the difference between a close call and a collision when roads get slick.
• Improved Grip: Thanks to their softer rubber compound, they stay flexible when the temperature dips below 7 degrees, which helps your tire maintain contact with the road perfectly.
• Insurance Discount: Most insurance providers offer up to 5 percent savings on your auto insurance premium if you use winter tires within a specific time frame.

What’s the Best Time to Put on Your Winter Tires?

So, when is the best time to remove your all-season tires? If you switch too early, your new winter tires will wear quickly and make weird noises at higher speeds. If you delay the change, the first snowstorm could trap you on the highway. Most vehicle tire manufacturers recommend switching to winter tires once temperatures consistently drop below 7 degrees because the material of winter tires can stay flexible at this temperature, which makes sure better contact with the road. In Midland, this threshold typically hits by mid of October, but it’s important to monitor local forecasts closely.

Shop Winter Tires or Book Your Tire Service at Bourgeois Motors Ford

Don’t leave your safety to chance. At Bourgeois Motors Ford, we make winter tire swaps effortless for drivers across Midland, ON. Our certified Ford experts use only OEM tools to mount and balance your winter tires, which makes sure optimal alignment. Book your winter tires change, drop by our service centre and let us handle the rest. And don’t forget to view our tire centre if you’re looking for a new set of winter tires for your Ford.