Choosing the Best Winter Tires in Just 9 Steps!

When in Canada, especially in Quebec, you cannot avoid driving in snow or cold weather. However, you don’t have to stress yourself thinking about how you will get the right winter tires. Since getting winter tires is a law, how do you go about getting the best ones for your car?

If you a responsible car driver, we know at some point you sat down worrying about which winter tire to go for. Here is the breakthrough: don’t listen to your family and friends. They might be bragging about how they have amazing winter tires; however, that doesn’t mean that their choice would be the right fit for your car. Simply put, what works best for other peoples’ cars may not work well for your car. It is essential to consider the type of your car and driving habits when selecting winter tires.

1. Know the size of your tire

First and foremost, you should know your tire’s size. When you go to a store, this is the first question you would be asked. Both your summer and winter tires should be of the same size.

To know the size of your car’s tire, check the sidewall. You will see a code that resembles this one: P335/60 R17. The code is ready as:

225: this represents the width of the tread or the tire part that is in conduct with the road, in millimeters.

60: this is the ratio in percentage form between the top part of your tire (usually sidewall height) and the tread width (section width).

17:  this represents the interior diameter of the tire in inches.

2. Know the types of roads you use

This is essential when choosing winter tires. Do you use highways, city roads, or side roads? If you cruise a lot, you would want to consider high-quality tires. This is so mostly if you cruise with a compact car, which is more prone to skidding in poor conditions.

3. Look at the tires

You may think this is obvious but just take a while to compare the quality of different winter tires in the store. Some elements you would want to compare are lateral stiffness, flexibility, and grooves. Remember that grooves offer better traction on winter surfaces.

4. Ask the right questions

An experienced sales rep will know what questions to ask you in order to get the best winter tires for your car. Some of the things he might want to know are your area of residence, annual mileage, and most importantly, how much you want to spend on the tires.

He may also ask you if you need reinforced tires. These provide better control when turning and will likely tell you different kinds of treads as well as the pros and cons of each.

5. Select between ice tires and snow tires

Which one should you opt for? Ice tires or snow tires? Sincerely speaking, ice tires are considered the best because they provide the best traction on ice as well as on snow, while the former isn’t always the case.

Ice tires are suitable if you drive mostly on dry surfaces and highways.

6. Know more about handling and braking

Winter tires have a significant impact on braking and handling, which is the main reason they are mandatory. When the temperature goes below 7 degrees Celsius, all-weather tires lose traction as well as flexibility for safe driving.

Your car will have better braking with the right tires and will be reliable, handling better when turning.

7. Insist on many offers

Most sales reps will be willing to offer you the best deal available. However, don’t settle for just one option. Consider getting several offers. This way, you can make a decision from several suggestions, considering features, your specific needs, and of course, price.

8. Avoid matching and mixing your tires

You don’t want to have different brands of tires on your car. It is never a good idea. This can impact your driving, such as poor handling and premature wear and tear on some parts. So, don’t mix tires.

9. Stay within budget

Your budget will definitely dictate what you get. So, visit several stores and compare what each store offer. You may also search online. Wherever you get your winter tires, stay within your budget!