Tire Talk: Staying safe on the road
Part one of a three-part series on how tires are key to safe driving. Read the next instalment on October 29.
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Preparing yourself and your car for winter driving
Waking up to a hint of frost each morning, we can no longer ignore that winter is coming. It’s time to prepare for winter driving. And in most of Canada, that means switching over to winter tires. In cold temperatures, summer tires tend to harden, and therefore cannot provide the grip and performance that winter roads require. Similarly, all-season tires are not designed for freezing temperatures. Only winter tires are built specifically to negotiate snow and ice-covered roads.
“For winter, you need winter tires,” affirms Carl Nadeau, professional race car driver and Michelin driving expert. “When it’s -20°C, nothing will do the same job as a winter tire. Rubber compound is greatly affected by temperature. Only winter tires will stay flexible and provide grip.”
“Some people wait for snow, then they can’t leave their driveway. It’s completely safe to put winter tires on early and take them off late. We know in Canada winter is inevitable, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
That said, most tire ratings refer to new tires. “You have to remember that performance generally decreases as tires wear,” explains Nadeau. “Worn tires are now being tested, and that makes all the difference in the world. After one or two winters, most tires don’t perform as they did at the start. With this in mind, Michelin tires are built to maintain their performance throughout the life of the tire.”
So it’s worth choosing a tire with the longevity to still perform well after a winter or two. “I don’t know anybody who buys tires just for one winter,” he says. “You’re going to try to stretch as much as possible, at least three winters unless you do a lot of winter driving. If you get a good tire, it may cost more up front, but it will last you longer and the actual cost of ownership is lower.”
Trying to save by only buying two winter tires is not a great idea either. Fitting winter tires just on the front axle can mean that the rear axle slides more easily, and you risk spinning out when you accelerate or turn. With winter tires only on the rear axle, you may not be able to turn when you need to. “Mixing tires is extremely dangerous,” says Nadeau. “You should always have four identical tires with similar wear. Rotate your tires so they have even wear over their life cycle.
And while winter tires do perform well in freezing temperatures, you shouldn’t wait until it hits -20°C before installing them. It’s best to install winter tires when temperatures consistently approach the freezing point. “Don’t wait until you can’t get to the tire store safely,” he says. “Some people wait for snow, then they can’t leave their driveway. It’s completely safe to put winter tires on early and take them off late. We know in Canada winter is inevitable, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
If you’re putting on winter tires you’ve already used before, make sure to check for signs of wear like cracking to see if they’re still safe to install. Tire storage is important, so if you left your winter tires outside all spring and summer, exposed to heat and sunlight, they may have weakened. Tires should ideally be stored indoors in a clean, cool and dark location away from direct sunlight as well as heat and ozone. Clean them before storing so substances like grease and gasoline don’t deteriorate the rubber.
Switching to winter tires also offers an opportunity to check your alignment. “If the wear is uneven or there’s a difference from left to right, it shows there’s a problem,” says Nadeau. “To align the car is a big plus. It gives you a chance to do a good physical inspection. It’s not just about safety because it affects your steering, but if it’s not straight, the tires will also wear a lot faster. You could lose one or two seasons, which is not good for cost or for the environment. It’s a lot of waste.”
Nadeau also emphasizes the importance of checking tire pressure once a month. “Tire pressure can be affected by temperature, so in winter, it’s even more important to check.”
Having your car winter-ready is crucial, but so too is checking road conditions, especially when you’re planning a trip. “Plan ahead and leave early if there’s snow or ice,” he says. “Clear all snow and ice off your car, especially the windows. Driving with an igloo on your car is dangerous! If your windshield is frozen, wait a few minutes for it to defrost.”
Ultimately, it’s about staying safe and being able to depend on your car, no matter the road conditions. “If it doesn’t feel right – if your tires feel slippery or you have any doubts, ask your tire specialist,” says Nadeau
Before you take a winter road trip:
• Plan your route and check road conditions. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• Check the air pressure of all your tires (including your spare) to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Tire pressure is typically located on a tire information sticker positioned inside a driver’s side door.
• Examine your tires’ tread wear and condition. If the tread seems worn down or there is any kind of damage, have the tires checked by a professional.
• Bring a winter emergency kit in case you get stuck or need to wait in your car for help. It should include:
• A shovel
• A tire gauge, jack and fully inflated spare
• Gravel, salt or a small piece of carpet
• Non-perishable food and water
• Jumper cables
• Emergency flares
• Warm clothes or a blanket
• A first-aid kit
• Windshield washer fluid
• Headlamp or flashlight
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