Driving in winter conditions can be treacherous. While winter/snow tires aren’t mandatory in Ontario like they are in other provinces, they do provide significant advantages when driving on icy, snowy roads.
Winter Tire Benefits
Traction
When driving in cold, snowy, or icy weather winter tires are specifically designed to maintain traction. When normal tires get cold, the rubber hardens and they lose their grip. When winter tires get cold, their rubber remains soft so they maintain excellent traction. Winter tires are great for snow and ice, but they also help you maintain control even when it’s just plain cold.
Insurance Discounts
Drivers in Ontario will receive a nice insurance discount just for having winter tires installed on their vehicles, thanks to a tax initiative that was passed in April 2015.
How To Use Winter Tires Properly
If you plan on driving in any cold weather winter conditions, it’s a good idea to have winter tires installed on your vehicle to stay as safe as possible. Here are some tips to consider when using winter tires.
- Get a full set of four winter tires, not just two. It is a common notion that you can get away with only using 2 winter tires on your vehicle to save money. However, this is not true, and using only 2 winter tires could lead to your ABS system and electronic stability system not functioning properly, which could be dangerous.
- Replace your winter tires at the start of Spring. Winter tires are designed to perform well in cold weather, and they don’t handle well in warmer weather. You may find it difficult to stop or handle your vehicle on dry or wet roads in the summer. For safety’s sake, and to prolong the life of your winter tires, only use them in the cold winter months.
- Mount your winter tires on a separate set of steel rims. You can opt to keep the same rims on your car and only have the tires swapped out, but doing so will actually cost you more money in the long run. By purchasing a dedicated set of steel rims for your winter tires, you will be able to get the optimally sized winter tires for your car (narrower winter tires generally handle better), and you’ll save money at the shop when having your wheels swapped out.
- Purchase your winter tires and rims at your Authorized Honda Dealership. The factory-trained technicians at Orangeville Honda will know exactly which winter tires will work best for your vehicle.
- Check the tire pressure at least once a month. In colder temperatures, you’ll notice that the pressure in your tires drops. To make sure your winter tires handle properly, be sure to check their pressure at least once a month and add air if necessary.
At Orangeville Honda we want our customers to stay safe all year round. If have any questions about the best winter tires for your Honda, or if you’re ready to purchase a set, give us a call or stop by the dealership. We’ll be ready to get your vehicle winter-ready.