All-Season vs Winter Tires

Should I use all-season or winter tires?

Thanksgiving just passed, which means winter weather is just around the corner. As a result, you’ll need to decide what to do with your tires. Should you keep your current set (assuming you have all-season) or exchange them for winter tires? Read ahead to find out the most practical option.
Which is better?
Considering we live in a cold climate, it would be foolish to think that all-season tires are safe enough to withstand Canadian winters. Without appropriate traction, you’re putting yourself at significantly greater risk.
It’s true that all-season tires are intended for colder weather, but they have to give up some of their performance in the snow so that they can stay effective in the spring and summer.  It’s a balancing act.
There’s no question that all-seasons are a viable option. However, your safety should be your number one concern while tire shopping, which is why purchasing winter tires is the ideal choice during the winter months.
Snow tires are designed with larger grooves and thicker tread to help you grip the winter roads much easier. In addition, they’re designed to withstand colder temperature by remaining soft and supportive even when it is freezing outside.  With the icy roads and unpredictable weather, it’s your best bet to get a set of snow tires for the winter months.
Here’s a clip from our NewRoads Mazda Parts Manager providing a little input on the benefits of Winter Tires…
Mixing
Some people believe in only swapping a pair of tires, and keeping their all-season tires on the other axle. This is a terrible idea and could put you in serious danger.
If you put the snow tires on the front, the rear wheels will lose traction much easier, while putting them on the back will cause you to understeer. You may think that you’re being smart by saving money, but it could end up costing you dearly.
When You Should Install
It’s clearly difficult to predict the weather, which is why you should install them before the first snowfall. Not only will you be able to avoid any wait times, but winter tires are the superior option in sub-zero temperatures, whether there’s snow on the ground or not.
Remember to remove your tires at the end of the year, since they’ll no longer be effective when the temperature is consistently above 7 degrees Celsius.
Where You Should Buy
Although you’re free to shop anywhere to purchase your tires, it’s recommended that you buy them at the dealership that you got your vehicle from. They’ll have tires specific to your car and will be able to ensure they’re properly inflated as well as balanced to mfg. specifications.
You can also look online or in other retail stores, but make sure you don’t buy used. The tread may be too worn, they could be underinflated and there’s no guarantee that they’ll last for the entire winter.
Our Richmond Hill Subaru Shop Foreman goes into a little more detail on how your Winter Tires provide better traction than your all-seasons…