We all know that winter tires have been proven to enhance safety and reduce the risk of a collision when driving in winter conditions. This is due to improved traction, braking and handling in the snow and cold weather. Most of us also know that installing winter tires on your vehicle in Ontario will save you money on your car insurance premiums - up to 5%.

Still, some people are not convinced they should install winter tires on their vehicle. Here are some more reasons you should consider winter tires.

REASONS TO DRIVE WITH WINTER TIRES

ALL SEASON TIRES ARE NOT THE SAME AS WINTER TIRES

If you are driving at 60km/h in winter temperatures, your vehicle's stopping distance can be up to 60 feet shorter with winter tires, than all-seasons. This does not take ice or snow covered roads into account. This can mean the difference between a safe stop and a dangerous collision.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE IMPROVES ACCELERATION NOT STOPPING

If your vehicle has all-wheel drive, it can be an advantage in the winter, as it will improve acceleration in slippery conditions. When it comes to braking though, there is little advantage to having all-wheel drive. Vehicle traction relies more on the type of tires on the vehicle, as opposed to the number of wheels being driven. It is important to note that having all-wheel drive does not mean you don't need winter tires.

THERE IS MORE TO WINTER TIRES THAN THE TREAD

Although they have a more aggressive tread pattern to bite snow and ice, the key to winter tires is in the rubber. Winter tires are constructed with a special rubber compound specifically designed for greater performance at temperatures lower than 7°C. This rubber stays softer at colder temperatures. This allows the tires to stick to the road and provide better traction and shorter braking distances.

It is easy to see that winter tires can drastically improve your car’s performance in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Adding four quality winter tires to your vehicle before the winter weather arrives will definitely make winter driving safer. Call a Hallman Parts Consultant at 519-364-3340 to get a no-obligation tire quote today or visit our website to learn more.