There are many that have had the experience of driving in Canada during the winter months. These drivers know the importance of good quality tires. Some will opt for the all-season tires. Many others want to depend on the winter tires. It is because the severity of the Canadian winters can vary greatly from province to province. In fact, they can vary greatly from region to region. The downtown core of Toronto faces different winter driving challenges. Compared to the snow belt regions within Ontario. It is not uncommon for drivers to face both sets of challenges. Many works in the downtown regions. Then they commute home which may be in one of the outlaying snow belt regions. These drivers can go from wet slush to heavy snow within a short drive. For them, they want the stability that the winter tires provide them with.
The Difference that Winter Tires Make
One of the major differences that comes with the winter tires is the tread width. This allows for a better grip on some of the winter road conditions which can be anything from snow to ice. One of the things to keep in mind is that when changing to winter tires to be sure that all four tires are of the winter type.
Breaking distance is one of the biggest distinctions manufacturers focus on. They do this specifically between the winter tires and the summer tires.
.Of course this is important. It takes a lot longer to brake on icy roads. It is imperative that drivers keep good distances between themselves. They need quality tires to rely on.
Tire Promotion
Each manufacturer wants to promote their winter tires. They partially do this in the attempt to out do their competitors. It is important for shoppers to look at all the benefits and features of the particular brand of tires. It doesn’t matter whether one has a sedan, SUV or truck choosing the right tires is going to be important. Many times SUV tires are appropriate for the light trucks as well, but there can be exceptions to this. Also, there are more choices when it comes to the truck tires
Top Ten Winter Tires For Sedan
Yokohama BluEarth Winter V905
These tires have an orange oil-infused compound. They’re comprised of high silica rubber. They’re classed as one of the top-notch environmentally friendly tires. These tires are designed to keep their rigidity. Also to handle snow and slush exceptionally well.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
These tires are made with Cryo Crystals. These help to create a better bite into the snow and slush. The tires have slush penetrators that allow for easier handling in the slush. Plus they help to reduce hydroplaning. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is one of the most advanced winter tires that is stud free.
Bridgestone Blizzak Ws80
The overall rating for the Bridgestone Blizzak Ws80 is five stars. It is for their traction capabilities. Then four stars each for durability, comfort, and value.
Additional Winter Tires for Sedans
- General AltiMax Arctic
- Yokohama iceGUARD ig52C
- Michelin X-Ice Xi3
- Hercules Tires Avalanche R-G2
- Dunlop Winter Maxx 2
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
- Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR
Top Ten Winter Tires For SUVs
Michelin Latitude X-Ice
The focus for these tires is being placed on the Cross Z Stripe technology. This special 3D design creates a design for being able to lock the sipes in place. This helps to improve the performance in winter driving. But also it lends to the durability of the tires. Not having to replace the winter tires after a few years use is a big drawing feature for tire buyers.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter
The key marketing feature for these tires is the claim that the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter can stop about 6 feet shorter than one of its competitors. The Goodyear brand has an excellent reputation.
Hercules Tires Avalanche R-G2
For most reviews for the Hercules Tires Avalanche R-G2, it is being rated at about an 8.5. It tops in at a nine for ice which is something Canadian drivers frequently have to deal with.
Additional Winter Tires for SUVs
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
- Bridgestone Blizzak Ws80
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
- Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR
- Dunlop WInter Maxx SJB
- Yokohama IceGUARD iG51v
- Continental Winter Contact SI
Top Ten Winter Tires For Trucks
Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8
These tires are ready to handle whatever the Canadian winter has to throw at them. They are comprised of Nano fit rubber. Plus, they have been built with tread to ice enhancement. Also, they are being hailed as a good choice for the light trucks and highway driving.
Continental WinterContact SI
The Continental WinterContact SI functions on the Polar Plus+ technology. The grooves allow for extra traction when driving in snow conditions.
Yokohama IceGUARD ig51v
The Yokohama IceGUARD ig51v has a directional tread design. It allows for better grip. This is a combination of the groove structure. It helps the vehicle perform better in different winter environments. Conditions such as snow, slush, and ice.
Additional Winter Tres for Trucks
- Michelin LTX Winter
- Latitude Alpin HP
- Latitude Alpin LA2
- Hankook iPike (light truck version)
- Winterforce LT
- Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
- Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Setting Your Expectations
With so many different tire brands and winter tire designs, it can be a challenge to choose the right one. If one makes a list of their expectations, it can help to narrow down the choices. These expectations should be based on the driving environment that each driver faces. For those that deal more with ice than snow, then it becomes the priority. The large city streets are usually laden with slush. Those driving in these conditions want tires that are touted for handling this.
Also, consider how your Insurance Company perceives winter tires. There are many Canadian Insurance Companies that give a discount for winter tires. It is because they know how treacherous winter driving can be. Which is the case in many of the different Canadian provinces. The savings on the winter tire discount can be used towards the purchase of quality winter tires. It is a win-win situation. Drivers capitalizing on this are increasing their driving safety while saving money doing it.
About the Author: Ashley Miller
