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Winter Tires Explained

Winter Tires Newmarket Ontario

Do you really need winter tires?  Let's explore...

As the weather starts to change and the colder temperatures make their way into the Newmarket area, we start to think about winter.  With colder weather comes questions about winter tires. Do you really need them? Are they worth it?

Let's dive in...

Do I really need winter tires on my vehicle?

We recommend winter tires because in York Region - snow isn't the whole problem - temperature plays a big role.

Winter tires are more effective and grippier than all season tires when temperatures drop below 7 degrees. The rubber compound of winter tires contains rubber that stays softer at lower temperatures. Softer - grippier.

The key here is the temperature.  Here in Newmarket we know all about those frigid days we get.

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Why can't I just use an all season tire all year long?

Think hockey pucks.  They're made from a hard rubber compound for durability and they slide very easily on the ice which is exactly what the game calls for. Winter tires on the other hand, the rubber is very soft allowing for far better bite on cold roads and even snow/ice.

Think of a all season tire like a running shoe. You can wear running shoes all year but they don't necessarily work for every situation. In the Newmarket, Bradford and Keswick areas, most of us have winter boots that we wear when it's cold or when it snows.

Here's what we recommend:

Swap your all season tires with your winter tires each Fall and switch back in Spring. It will help to extend the tread on both sets of tires meaning both sets will last longer. At NewRoads, we can store your offseason tires for you making the whole process seamless and easy.

Do winter tires have more braking power than an all season tire?

Winter tires have increased braking abilities that help to reduce braking distances. This could make the difference of stopping up to 30 feet later with an all season tire versus a winter tire.

Do I need winter tires even if I change my driving habits in bad weather?

We hear this from a lot of our customers! And we agree that we all need to adjust our driving habits in inclement weather. But that isn't enough.

We need to be confident that our traction and braking systems will perform as intended.

Are winter tires worth the money?

In our opinion, your safety and peace of mind are worth the investment. The cost of winter tires can easily be offset from just a simple slide into a curb. We have seen so many damaged or bent wheels which can add up to repairs that end up costing more than winter tires.

How much should I spend on winter tires?

Like most things in life - you get what you pay for. Like all season tires, a better winter tire will outperform a non premium winter tire. And it also worth noting that a premium winter tire will retain their abilities throughout the life the tire - not just for the 1st season or two of tread.

Our NewRoads Service team is always happy to answer any questions you have about tires or any vehicle maintenance or repairs.