There are plenty of excuses not to use winter tires on your SUV, car or crossover (except in Quebec, where a new law requires it). Though four wheel drive, stability control and ABS brakes all have merit, the only way to increase traction between your vehicle and a slippery road is with proper tires.
Justin Pritchard spoke to Anthony Paulozza and David Ortoli at Pirelli to learn about winter tires and how they give a vehicle's safety systems more to work with.
J.P.: What's the difference between an "all season" tire and a "winter" tire?
A.P. & D.O.: The fundamental differences between an all season and winter tire is how their tread design and rubber compound interacts with different climactic conditions. Winter tires have extra 'siping' in their tread design for an increased grip on ice, and they evacuate water accumulation effectively.
Winter tires also contain a special compound mix which allows the rubber to stay softer at lower temperatures, increasing overall grip. As temperatures drop, standard non-winter compounds show decreased elasticity - resulting in a reduced contact area and a decrease in overall grip.
To better understand the benefits of a winter tire, one must understand that its properties are geared towards "cold temperature" performance in general, not simply for use in snow. Bottom line, winter tires are more specialized and offer more driving enjoyment and safety throughout the winter months.
J.P.: Readers frequently ask why they should get winter tires if their vehicle has traction or stability control to keep them from skidding. Does a vehicle with traction or stability control still need winter tires?
A.P. & D.O.: Yes, these vehicles will still benefit from winter tires. Winter tires in both snow and ice conditions provide more traction capability for starting, stopping and turning- compared to all season or summer tires. Therefore, the traction/stability control systems will not have to assist as much, giving the driver a higher degree of control and safety.
J.P.: A friend of mine insists that his All Wheel Drive Subaru is great in the snow with all season tires on it. Does a vehicle with All Wheel Drive still need winter tires?
A.P. & D.O.: Yes, All Wheel Drive vehicles still need winter tires. The greatest benefit AWD gives to a vehicle is in providing starting traction, with some assistance in cornering. However, AWD provides no advantage in stopping situations. Thus, winter tires will provide needed stopping traction capability in addition to starting and cornering situations.
J.P.: If a driver decides to switch to winter tires after years of driving on all season tires in the snow, what can they expect in terms of an improvement?
A.P. & D.O.: Any driver using winter tires for the first time will see a noticeable difference- whether it's on fresh or compact snow, or even just on cold pavement. They'll feel superior control during acceleration, braking and corning. Winter tires are specially and uniquely engineered to face the perils that one is exposed to during winter driving conditions- and this safety is no doubt felt by the driver.
J.P.: Should I stud the snow tires on my car?
A.P. & D.O.: There are certain situations where having studded winter tires can be a benefit. These would include pure ice covered roads, or very hard-packed or icy snow.
For more information or to explore Pirelli's lineup of winter tires for cars, trucks, vans and SUV's, visit their website at www.pirelli.ca
photo:Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard spoke to Anthony Paulozza and David Ortoli at Pirelli to learn about winter tires and how they give a vehicle's safety systems more to work with.
J.P.: What's the difference between an "all season" tire and a "winter" tire?
A.P. & D.O.: The fundamental differences between an all season and winter tire is how their tread design and rubber compound interacts with different climactic conditions. Winter tires have extra 'siping' in their tread design for an increased grip on ice, and they evacuate water accumulation effectively.
Winter tires also contain a special compound mix which allows the rubber to stay softer at lower temperatures, increasing overall grip. As temperatures drop, standard non-winter compounds show decreased elasticity - resulting in a reduced contact area and a decrease in overall grip.
To better understand the benefits of a winter tire, one must understand that its properties are geared towards "cold temperature" performance in general, not simply for use in snow. Bottom line, winter tires are more specialized and offer more driving enjoyment and safety throughout the winter months.
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J.P.: Readers frequently ask why they should get winter tires if their vehicle has traction or stability control to keep them from skidding. Does a vehicle with traction or stability control still need winter tires?
A.P. & D.O.: Yes, these vehicles will still benefit from winter tires. Winter tires in both snow and ice conditions provide more traction capability for starting, stopping and turning- compared to all season or summer tires. Therefore, the traction/stability control systems will not have to assist as much, giving the driver a higher degree of control and safety.
J.P.: A friend of mine insists that his All Wheel Drive Subaru is great in the snow with all season tires on it. Does a vehicle with All Wheel Drive still need winter tires?
A.P. & D.O.: Yes, All Wheel Drive vehicles still need winter tires. The greatest benefit AWD gives to a vehicle is in providing starting traction, with some assistance in cornering. However, AWD provides no advantage in stopping situations. Thus, winter tires will provide needed stopping traction capability in addition to starting and cornering situations.
J.P.: If a driver decides to switch to winter tires after years of driving on all season tires in the snow, what can they expect in terms of an improvement?
A.P. & D.O.: Any driver using winter tires for the first time will see a noticeable difference- whether it's on fresh or compact snow, or even just on cold pavement. They'll feel superior control during acceleration, braking and corning. Winter tires are specially and uniquely engineered to face the perils that one is exposed to during winter driving conditions- and this safety is no doubt felt by the driver.
J.P.: Should I stud the snow tires on my car?
A.P. & D.O.: There are certain situations where having studded winter tires can be a benefit. These would include pure ice covered roads, or very hard-packed or icy snow.
For more information or to explore Pirelli's lineup of winter tires for cars, trucks, vans and SUV's, visit their website at www.pirelli.ca
photo:Justin Pritchard