Do I need winter tires?
With winter around the corner a lot of people are wondering if they should spend the money and buy a new set of winter tires. So, do I NEED winter tires? The short answer is no. Should I have winter tires? ABSOLUTLY! There is no comparison between all season tires and winter tires.
Yes, you can get by with all season tires. At least I did, for 20 years. I never rear ended anyone or spun out of control and ended up in the ditch. But after trying winter tires for the first time a few years ago, I will never go back. The added traction they provide is amazing. No more spinning at a stop sign, or sliding through a stop sign. No more getting stuck in 4 inches of snow and having to push to get traction. The benefits are endless. It should also be mentioned that in some provinces winter tires are mandatory.
When the temperature drops (7C is the magic number) all season tires start to lose traction. The rubber that all season and summer tires are made from starts to get hard at 7 degrees. Once the temperature gets really cold, they freeze solid. Winter tires are made with a rubber compound that stays soft, even in extreme cold. Winter tires also warm up a lot faster than all season tires. They are engineered for the cold.
Not only are winter tires made from a rubber compound that stays softer in extreme cold, the tread is designed for snow and ice. Winter tires have these things called sipes. Little “cuts” in the tread. These little cuts give a winter tire hundreds (or thousands) of edges to bite into snow and ice. All seasons simply do no have this. Winter snow tires try to hold onto the snow, in the tire tread. Believe it or not, snow on snow traction is very good!
Your going to want to choose a winter tire based on the winter conditions you encounter most of the year. If you have a lot of ice but not much snow, a winter tire more designed for ice is the better choice. For lots of snow, one designed for lots of snow is better. You get the idea.
Do I need studs?
Some winter tires are also designed to have studs. Little metal “screws” that go into the tire and provide an even better grip on ice and hard packed snow. In my experience, they work amazing on hard pack snow. But, on a dry road they actually reduce traction. By a lot in some cases. If you do most of your driving on dry roads/highways, I would not recommend getting your tires studded. They do work amazing on hard pack snow though, really really good!
Once you are researching winter tires online, you will find a lot of x brand is better than y brand. In my opinion this is like Ford vs Dodge vs Chevy. People like certain things. Any winter tire will be vastly superior to an all season tire in the winter. Yes, some are better than others. However, the difference in tests is small. I wouldn't get to caught up in it. Just buy yourself a set and your done! Just remember to put your all seasons back on when the temperature is consistently above 7C. Winter tires wear out very fast in warm weather!
So, do I need winter tires?
No, but you wont regret it if you do! Stay safe and happy driving!
For anyone in the Rainy River District, I recommend checking out Stratton Service. They have great prices and fantastic service. They can get pretty much any tire you want. Give them a call, you won't regret it!
Recent Posts
Why Vitamin D Deficiency is a Problem in Northwestern Ontario – And What You Can Do About ItDecember 8, 2024Vitamin D deficiency is a significant issue in northwestern Ontario, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the unique challenges of our region and taking proactive steps to boost your levels, you can maintain your health and well-being year-round. […]
Homesteading Mistakes I’ve Learned From (So You Don’t Have To)December 4, 2024Homesteading is a journey filled with ups and downs, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single mishap because they’ve shaped the homesteader I am today. If you’re just starting out, I hope my experiences help you avoid some of the common pitfalls and make your own journey a little smoother. […]
Why Homesteaders Are Returning to Traditional SkillsNovember 29, 2024Returning to traditional skills isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life that offers countless benefits. It fosters self-reliance, saves money, reduces waste, and connects us to our heritage. For homesteaders, these skills are invaluable tools that enrich our lives and help us thrive, no matter what challenges come our way. […]
Is Apartment Homesteading the Future?November 21, 2024Whether it’s planting herbs on a windowsill, preserving jam from foraged berries, or creating a community composting initiative, every small step contributes to a larger movement. With creativity, determination, and growing support from government policies, apartment homesteading isn’t just a trend—it’s shaping the future of sustainable living. […]
Homestead Preparedness: Ensuring Food Security Year-RoundNovember 5, 2024In pursuing food security, we’re not only ensuring that our families have what they need to thrive but also fostering a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the rewards of sustainable living. Through a blend of traditional knowledge and modern innovation, we become more than just consumers; we become active participants in our own survival and wellbeing. […]
The Benefits of Incorporating Omega-3 in Your Winter DietIn CookingOctober 28, 2024Omega-3 fatty acids are a simple yet powerful addition to your winter diet. They provide numerous benefits that support the body and mind through the colder months, helping to boost immunity, improve mood, reduce joint pain, support heart health, and keep skin hydrated—all essential during winter. […]
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Tips: A Fall Favorite in Northwestern OntarioOctober 22, 2024Grouse hunting is one of the great joys of fall in northwestern Ontario. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the time spent in the woods, the challenge of spotting these elusive birds, and the satisfaction of bringing home a wild game dinner. Whether you’re hunting for the first time or have been doing this for years, following these tips will improve your chances of success and make your time in the field more enjoyable. […]
Foraging Safety: What You Need to Know Before Heading OutOctober 15, 2024Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. By learning to identify plants accurately, foraging in clean and legal areas, and practicing sustainable harvesting, you can enjoy the rewards of foraging without putting yourself or the environment at risk. […]
Planning Your Spring Garden Now: What to Do Before the Snow FallsOctober 9, 2024As homesteaders, we depend on our gardens not just for food, but also for the satisfaction that comes with growing our own sustenance. And in regions like northwestern Ontario, where the growing season can be unpredictable and short, every bit of preparation counts. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to worry about in the spring, allowing you to focus on planting, growing, and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. […]
Creative Ways to Use Fall Forage in Your Holiday CookingOctober 7, 2024Incorporating these foraged items into your holiday cooking is not only a creative way to celebrate the season, but it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and a great conversation starter when you’re serving family and friends. […]