Dashing through the snow? Why you need to switch to winter tires to conquer the season in Canada

Winter driving can be daunting for anyone, but those snowy and icy roads don’t have to feel so intimidating!

With the right prep, like having the right winter tires, you can feel confident tackling Canada’s cold season.

Whether you’re navigating a frosty morning commute or planning a winter road trip, installing winter tires on your vehicle can help you stay safe on the road. Here are some handy tire tips!

Why winter tires are essential

Winter tires should be put on your vehicle if temperatures consistently approach freezing (below 7 C). But why exactly?

When it comes to driving safely overall, tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle. Sure, your brakes stop the wheels from turning, but, it’s the tire’s grip that actually brings your car to a stop! This is especially important in the wintertime when roads are slippery, and visibility is low.

Even if you have 4-wheel drive, winter tires on the front and back are still necessary to conquer challenging winter conditions! This is where Michelin winter tires come into play. With shorter ice and snow-stopping distances, thanks to the grip from a distinct tread pattern with deep cuts called “sipes,” you’ll feel improved traction on slippery roads. 

Winter tires remain flexible in cold weather

While all-season tires perform well in a range of conditions, they’re no match for winter tires, which are specially designed to perform better in a range of extreme winter conditions such as wet roads, snow, slush, and ice. Made from a rubber compound that keeps them flexible in cold weather, you’ll get excellent grip, traction, and braking qualities even at lower temperatures.

The texture of the tread rubber compound is kind of like chewing gum — when the outside temperature consistently approaches freezing, your tires’ tread rubber compound begins to harden like chewing gum would.

Choosing the right winter tires for you

Finding the perfect fit is easier than you think. First, you’ll want to identify your tire size, found in your vehicle owner’s manual or on the inside of your door.

Pro tip: Quality winter tires should give you long-lasting traction throughout their lifespan. Look for a mileage warranty for added assurance.

And, ask your tire specialist about different tire markings. The ‘Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake’ rating means it meets the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s requirements for snow traction. The ‘Ice Grip Symbol’ means that the tire has met the international standard for ice-breaking performance.

Top pick: Michelin X-Ice Snow Tires

For the best performance on winter roads, it’s important to have four high-quality, matching winter tires — like the Michelin X-Ice Snow tires.

These tires have been designed for maximum mobility and performance in extreme winter road conditions. They also offer fantastic fuel efficiency, a quiet and comfortable ride, and a warranty of up to 60,000 KM, making them the perfect choice for drivers who want maximum driving confidence without sacrificing efficiency. Plus, like all Michelin tires, they’re EV-compatible and designed to offer efficiency, durability, longevity, and load-carrying capacity.

This tire has been shown to provide more snow traction performance and last up to one additional winter when compared to competitors!

To find the perfect tire for you, simply enter your car’s make, model and year on Michelin.ca and discover your ideal match.

MICHELIN TIRES