Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

When the cold weather hits and road safety becomes a concern, it’s a smart move to compare winter tires vs. all-season tires. Even in urban areas like Oshawa, where road maintenance is regular, unexpected heavy snowfall can occur, as seen in recent years with up to a foot of snow blanketing the city, and parts of the state buried under lake effect snow. Most vehicles come equipped with all-season tires, and they offer commendable performance across various weather conditions, delivering a quiet ride and extended tread life. However, as all-season tires are designed to provide year-round functionality, they inevitably come with some trade-offs.

Winter tires can be likened to reliable winter boots rather than all-season tire sneakers. Just as you wouldn’t want to tread on ice with sneakers you’ve been using all year, the same goes for winter tires. Below, you’ll find service tips covering aspects like tire pressure in winter, tire storage, and other vital tire information such as when should you change your tires to winter tires to ensure your safety on the streets of Markham. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our service centre.

Benefits of Winter Tires & When to Put Them On Your Car

In regions where snow and ice are infrequent, all-season tires might suffice during the winter months. So, are winter tires worth the investment? Absolutely! But when should you change your tires to winter tires? The best time to swap your tires for winter tires can vary depending on which part of Canada you are in, however it’s recommended to make the switch from September to November at the latest. Winter tires are built for challenging weather conditions and incorporate unique design elements not found in all-season tires:

• Special Tread Rubber: Winter tires are built with a specially formulated rubber that remains flexible in cold weather. This ensures that your tires can grip the road long after the leaves have fallen.
• Unique Tread Depth & Pattern: The deep treads on snow tires reduce snow build-up and offer traction. Along with that, winter tires offer a unique pattern that expels snow, slush, ice, and water.
• Biting Edges: When you scan a winter tire with your eyes, you’ll notice many small slits in the tread. These biting edges provide improved grip on icy roads.

Winter Driving Tips: Tire Pressure, Safe Habits, & More!

Typically, your vehicle’s tire pressure should be in the mid-30s. For winter tire pressure, add 3-5 extra psi to account for the air loss caused by cold weather. In addition to maintaining proper tire inflation, follow these safety practices for winter driving:

• Drive at a conservative pace
• Leave a wide gap between you and vehicles ahead of you
• Keep up with all service to ensure your vehicle is fit for winter roads
• Show extra caution at intersections, stop signs, and shady areas
• Avoid cruise control
• Keep an eye out for black ice

Winter Tire Storage Tips

If you plan to switch your tires seasonally, proper tire storage is essential. Thankfully, you can prepare your winter tires for storage in four straightforward steps:

1. Clean the Tires: Thoroughly clean your tires before storing them. Utilize a cleaning solution and a brush to remove debris, dirt, brake dust, and other contaminants. Proper cleaning prevents corrosion during storage.
2. Identify Your Storage Space: Locate an indoor space for storing your tires that is clean and maintains stable temperatures. Ideally, choose a climate-controlled area.
3. Cover Each Tire: Place your tires in individual, opaque, airtight bags. You can find tire storage bags at retail stores or online, and you can remove excess air with a vacuum.
4. Stack the Tires: If you’re storing tires without rims, lay them flat and stack them on top of each other. If your tires have rims, place them vertically next to each other. Regardless of the storage method, remember to rotate the tire positions monthly to prevent undue stress and strain.

Care for Your Vehicle at Mercedes-Benz Durham

Now that you have a clear understanding of the distinctions between winter tires vs. all-season tires, you’re well-equipped to make informed choices for your vehicle as the seasons change in Toronto. Whether you seek information on winter tire pressure or tips for winter tire storage, we’ve got you covered. Our service guides encompass a wide range of topics to keep your vehicle in top shape. If you want to make sure your vehicle is going to run smooth throughout the year, keep up with routine maintenance by scheduling a service appointment.