Do You Need Winter Tires?

It’s that time of the year again when many car owners may think about whether they need a tire change or not. And the answer to this is probably yes because winters in Canada are harsh, unpredictable and unsafe, making driving difficult in severe weather conditions. In fact, Alberta Transportation recommends switching to winter tires when driving in extreme cold conditions for improved balance and traction. The provincial agency further states that winter tires provide better braking and handling on snow, slush and frost to ensure maximum on-and-off-road balance, which is why you should switch to snow tires as the season begins. Stay tuned with Fifth Avenue Volkswagen as our certified technicians further explain the importance of snow tires. 

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What is the Importance of Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed keeping in mind all the winter elements and extreme conditions, especially the icy road surfaces. The tread rubber compounds of these tires keep intact the flexibility for better grip. Snow tires also feature deeper tread depths and patterns, which reduce snow buildup for improved traction and off-road balance. The thousands of slits and biting edges of winter tires also provide top-tier winter driving performance than other available kinds of tires. 

Things to Keep In Mind While Swapping Snow Tires 

Here are a few things to consider when switching your summer or all-season tires with winter ones:

• Before changing to winter tires, don’t forget to perform a visual inspection to analyze the condition of the suspension and brake components like brushings, brake lines and struts for cracking, leaking and fraying. 
• When swapping the tires, don’t forget to mark them with a simple left rear or right front label using masking tape. Doing this will make it easier for you to put them back during spring change. 
• Check for everyday wear and tear to understand the durability and condition of your winter tires. Please note if you notice any uneven wear on one side or the other, it’s because your car is pulling to one side or there’s likely something wrong with the wheel alignment, meaning you need to fix it before driving on sloppy and slushy winter terrains. 

If you need expert guidance on swapping winter tires, please schedule a service appointment with the professional technicians at Fifth Avenue Volkswagen or visit our showroom in Calgary.