Cut the Confusion When It Comes to Buying Snow Tires

Cut the Confusion When It Comes to Buying Snow Tires

Living in Canada, we all know how important snow tires are. They mean the difference between stopping at a light or sliding through the intersection, between keeping on the highway or slipping into the ditch, and from getting up those icy hills or having to find a different route.

But how do you know which snow/winter tires to choose? I’ll say right away, don’t let cost be your main factor! It’s integral to consider your vehicle type and driving habits when choosing your tires. Below, I’ve listed eight questions you should ask yourself when purchasing your next set of winter tires.

1. What is My Tire Size?

It’s the first question you’re going to be asked at any shop or store. And the good news is that winter tires will be the same size as your summers. To find out the size of your current tires, take a look at the sidewall. You’ll find a code similar to this one: P225/60 R17. So what do the numbers mean?

• 225 – This number refers to the width of the tread on your tire and is measured in millimetres.
• 60 – This number represents the ratio between the top of the tire or sidewall height, and the width of the tread, or section width.
• 17 – This number indicates the interior diameter of the tire, in inches.

2. What Types of Roads Do I Drive On?

Most people think a road, is a road is a road, but it’s not true. There are city roads, side roads, and highways, just to name a few. Whichever one is your main transportation method makes a difference when choosing winter tires. It’s especially important if you drive a compact car, which is more likely to skid in poor conditions. If you drive mainly in the city, tires with a good price-quality ratio will do the job. And if you drive a fair distance on your commute, make sure you invest in high-quality tires.

3. Did You Look at the Tires?

As with any other big purchase, it’s worth taking the time to look and compare. Even a brief observation will quickly show you the difference in the quality of the tires available, especially the grooves, flexibility, and lateral stiffness. One thing to watch for, large grooves provide better traction on winter surfaces because they help to displace snow and slush.

4. Are You Being Asked the Right Questions?

A good sales rep will know the right questions to ask you to help you determine your winter tires needs. They should ask about your annual mileage, where you live, and then about your budget. A really thorough rep might even ask if you want reinforced tires, for better control when turning, or if noise levels are an issue to you, since the different tread options can affect this. If you aren’t being asked these questions you might consider finding another shop for your winter tire needs.

5. How do You Handle and Brake?

Some people tend to ride their brakes, while others like to take turns a little fast. Winter affects these driving habits substantially. When the temperature drops below 7°C, all-season tires lose too much traction and flexibility for safe driving. Making sure you have the right winter tires will help with the changes to winter handling and braking. Better tires mean your vehicle will brake more effectively and reliably, and will handle better when turning, especially in slushy conditions.

6. Are There Any Available Offers?

There’s always a deal to be found, but many sales reps will simply offer you the deal of the day. I would recommend asking for more though. There are often many different mail-in rebates, or some sort of promotion, and the sponsored deal might not necessarily be the best tire for your vehicle. Ask for all promotions and that way you should still have adequate choice from several models, depending on price, features, and your specific needs. You can check out our rebate section of our website to see what’s currently available.

7. Can I Mix and Match My Tires?

The short answer is NO. Using different brands of tires can affect your driving, lead to poor handling, and cause premature wear on parts. This is especially true if you drive a 4×4. Make sure to install four identical tires of the same brand or you’ll end up adding extra stress to your vehicle’s differential.

8. Can I Stay Within A Budget?

Although not the first thing to consider, budget is still an important factor in your choice of tires. It’s usually worth it to visit a few different stores to compare prices. An online search can also pay off for finding deals and promotions. And make sure to ask if financing plans are available.

There is no such thing as the perfect winter tire, even the most expensive will have their weaknesses, but they really can make the difference when dealing with winter driving conditions. A decent rep will make sure you get the best possible set for you, so contact Simone Performance to set up your appointment and we will be happy to guide you through the selection process.

Simone Performance is Located at 200 Mulock Drive, Newmarket, ON.

Call us today at 905-853-1677