XTG highlights 5 Reasons to Switch from All-Season Tires to Winter Tires

October 6, 2022

When you think of all-season tires, you expect that they will be effective for the winter seasons, but this is not always the case. All-season tires are made for winter and summer conditions, so they work in wet and dry conditions, but they are not equipped to handle the intense cold and conditions of a harsh Canadian winter. They will not provide the same traction and control as winter tires do.

Canadian winters are particularly harsh, but surprisingly many people’s vehicles are not prepared for winter conditions. Every year when the weather gets colder, Canadians rush to prepare their vehicle for the snowy, icy, slushy winter. While some people consider winter tires a necessity, others do not understand their importance. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, 69 percent of Canadian drivers living outside of Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, will use winter tires in the 2021/2022 winter season.

However, according to a report from the Traffic Injury Research Foundation title ‘Winter Tires: A Review of Research on Effectiveness and Use’, winter tires offer better braking and acceleration than all-season tires, especially when the temperature is 7 degrees C and below.

Here are some of the reasons why those who are using all-season tires should switch to winter tires.

1.    Rubber Compounds Made for Winter Weather

At first glance, one might think that the main difference between winter and all-weather tires is the tread. In truth, it’s the rubber compound that does most of the job. Designed to remain soft under 7 °C, winter tire tread can stay elastic and stick to the road, providing superior grip. On the contrary, the rubber compound all-season tires are made of stiffens when it gets cold, causing them to slip on snow and ice-covered pavement.

2.    Water Evacuation Prevents Hydroplaning

Unlike all-season tires, winter tires are engineered to evacuate water. When pressing on ice or snow, they melt the surface layer which transforms into a film of water. Equipped with hundreds of sipes, winter tires channel that water to the side, preventing hydroplaning.

3.    Better Braking in All-wheel Vehicles

All-wheel drive vehicles are great, but they are not winter-proof. They might be better at accelerating, but they’re not better at stopping. When it comes to braking and cornering, you’ll be significantly safer with winter tires, no matter the number of driven wheels.

4.    Shorter Stopping Distances

In emergencies, being able to quickly stop your vehicle is crucial. With their advanced technology, today’s winter tires ensure shorter stopping distances. Experts say that below 0 °C, a vehicle equipped with all-season tires stops at a 30% longer distance.

5.    More Aggressive Treads

Winter tires come with deeper and more aggressive treads, specially made to cut into snow and slush. On the contrary, all-season tires are not designed to clear the snow and are considerably less effective in winter conditions. They get packed with snow easily which can reduce traction. They also offer much less grip on ice.

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