Canadian winters are no joke, bringing snow, ice and hazardous driving conditions. When the cold sets in, you should consider getting winter tires installed on your vehicle. They’ve been specially designed to handle cold weather driving in a way your summer, or all-season tires haven’t. Read on with the tire team at Kia Victoria as we answer some of the questions we regularly get asked about winter tires.
Why Are Winter Tires Better For Winter Driving?
Winter tires have been designed with a softer rubber material which allows them to stay flexible in colder temperatures below 7-degrees Celsius, when regular tires start to firm up. This means they’re able to continue to grip the road when other tires start to lose their traction. They also feature a deeper tread which acts like a tiny snowplow, pushing snow away from the tire as you drive. These features improve your vehicle’s overall acceleration and stopping power in winter conditions, while also helping your fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on your engine as it works harder to get going.
When Should I Have Winter Tires Installed?
If you need a sweater, your vehicle needs winter tires. As soon as the temperature is regularly dipping below 7-degree Celsius, you should be booking an appointment to have your tires swapped. This actually also helps extend the life of your all-season tires, as well! Not only are you not using them for several months out of the year, but winter conditions cause additional strain on them due to the reduced flexibility in the cold.
Can I Use Snow Chains Instead?
Not for regular driving, you shouldn’t! Snow chains can help your vehicle grip snow on unplowed roads or trails, but they don’t offer improved stopping power, they cause a bumpy drive, they can’t be used at highway speeds, and they’re terrible for the road surface.
Are Winter Tires Mandated By Law?
Between October 1st and April 30th, winter tires are mandatory on many provincial highways across British Columbia. This is due to the inherent risk of driving through the mountains in the winter. You could get ticketed if caught driving without them on marked routes.
Shop For Winter Tires With Kia Victoria
We carry a selection of winter tires from top brands you trust, in a variety of sizes for any vehicle. We offer competitive prices on tires, and our Kia certified service specialists are on hand to help you get them installed quickly and efficiently. Shop for your next set of winter tires with the team at Kia Victoria in BC.
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