Time to think about winter tires

Tires are a very important safety item

Have you noticed that the leaves are all gone? This inadvertently means that the winter season is fast approaching. Believe or not, it is time to seriously start thinking about getting your winter tires.

This year, there are a few new tires on the market, as expected. Every tire manufacturer claims to have the best in the business. When shopping for a winter tire, here are a few good tips: look for good tread depth; the deeper it is, the better it will perform in snow. Also, look for a good amount of space between the tread blocks for the same reason. Another hint is the two speed ratings for winter tire; Q and H. Q is rated at 160 km/h and H, 210 km/h. H rated tires will generally have a stiffer compound to ensure high-speed stability. In both cases, it is highly recommended to remain well within the rating limits.

A reminder on how to select your winter tires.
There are a number of different types of tires that are appropriate for the winter season. The type of driving you do and the type of car you drive have a serious influence on the tire that will be purchased. The environment in which you find yourself driving is also an important factor for tire selection. Basically, it breaks down between passenger cars, compact SUVs and minivans, performance winter tires and truck winter tires. Then, we move on to whether more grip is needed in snow and ice or on a dry surface.

Passenger car tire
The best overall winter tire remains the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50. However, the reason why it is not my first recommendation is because it is

Yokohama Ice Guard IG10 (Photo: Yokohama)

not available in a number of popular sizes. It is still the best winter tire for overall traction though. However, if they are not available in your size, here are a few recommendations:

The Yokohama IG-10 and Toyo G02 + would be the next best bets. The IG-10 has between 12 and 13/32 of tread depth and uses microcell technology. This technology uses tiny air bubbles in the compound to keep it flexible at very low temperatures. This tire represents one of the best winter tire compromises as far as durability, performance and price are concerned. The G02 + has a tread depth of 13/32, has large gaps between the blocks, uses crushed walnut shells in its makeup and is a little more aggressive than the Yokohama. This tire's compound is a little harder and will therefore be a little more durable in the long run. This tire is also a good choice for a more assertive driver that is harder on the gas and brake pedal.

SUV, CUV and minivan tires

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 (Photo: Bridgestone)

There are a number of tires available for them also. Here, I have 2 suggestions. The #1 pick is the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3. The tread depth is of 14/32 and therefore, they are really deep and this means great snow traction. Also, the compound is very spongy and is cut right to the bottom, great for ice. The next best pick is the Yokohama Geolandar IT + as it shares the same characteristics with the DM-Z3. Some of these tires can gave a tread depth of up to 18/32 of an inch. The principal reason, other than snow traction and longevity, is because some of these tires are studdable.