Winter tires for Canadian drivers

Over the years there has been a misconception that an all-season tire would be sufficient for winter use but that sentiment is changing.
As the dark cold grip of winter approaches, a good portion of Canadians start to contemplate a switchover to winter tires. In days gone by these were known as snow tires, implying the reason for fitting them was to plow through depths of fallen flakes. In truth, tests have shown that once the temperature drops below 7 degrees celcius, regular all season tires tend to harden, especially older units, and then when the cold weather descends these tires effectively turn into hard blocks of plastic.
Winter tires are made from a different formula incorporating a higher percentage of natural rubber and silica. The resulting tire is much softer and remains flexible as the temperature drops. A tailored tread pattern also determines which conditions a tire will be best for. Some are enhanced for better performance in deep snow, others slush and some focus on top performance on ice. Manufacturers have added a three peak mountain motif to any tire classified for winter use.
A recent study has shown nearly 80% of Canadians are opting for winter tires. In Quebec, the provincial government has removed the element of choice and mandated winter tires for the season.
Another factor would be some Canadian auto insurers that offer discounts to policy holders that fit winter tires from the late fall to spring.
For a number of vehicle owners the cost of the seasonal change over and lack of space for extra tire storage is an issue.
A new breed of tire has been gaining popularity lately, an all-weather tire as opposed to all-season. Made for year round use, the tire also carries the three peak identifier for effective winter use but is designed to remain installed year round.
Some car buyers have also opted for all wheel or four wheel drive to deal with winter weather, many feeling that the drive-train was enough to counter foul weather. However, as many have found out, getting started in the snow is one thing, but cornering or stopping is going to rely on the contact points with the pavement.
In parts of Canada, provincial governments have also allowed for drivers to use studded tires. Small metal or ceramic studs are fitted into the treads of specially designed tires to help with extreme winter climates. In Ontario tire studs are permitted “for vehicles with an ownership address in Northern Ontario, as defined by the Territorial Districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Temiskaming, and to out-of-province vehicles travelling in Ontario for less than a month.”
All the major brands selling in Canada offer a number of winter tire choices. For the upcoming season we will be testing a new offering by Hankook, the Winter i*cept iZ3.
Billed as a tire made for extreme winter conditions, a multi-faceted tread design reportedly increases handling in icy, snowy, slushy and dry cold conditions. Look for our followup report on the tire’s performance.
One last piece of advice, every year many are left scrambling as their first choice for tires may already be sold out in their size. If you are looking to purchase winter tires, buy early.