4 Things You Should Know About Winter Tires

December 17, 2016

Whether you live in the city, suburbs or rural areas, looking for affordable and reliable winter tires can be tricky. At Xtreme Tire Garage in Mississauga, we’ve compiled valuable information to help you better understand the top four things you should know about winter tires:

1) All-Season Tires Are Not Winter Tires

Engineering research and scientific evidence prove winter tires carry a higher safety standard in winter like conditions than all-season tires. However, the myth still prevails that all-season tires are just as good as winter tires. This is simply not true. Years of data show that winter tires have a huge advantage over all-season tires. They provide added protection and performance against harsh, dangerous winter weather.

Winter tires are manufactured with deeper treads for better snow grip and traction. The edges of the tread-blocks cut into snow, while some snow may stay in the grooves to act as a bonding agent for the next layer of snow. Winter tires are manufactured with a rubber compound that remains more flexible in low temperatures; the molecules are able to move more freely and the rubber becomes more pliable – this means the tires create friction with the road and give better traction in winter weather.

Keep in mind, when you switch over to winter tires you also make a long term investment, not only in safety, but to prolong and extend the life of your summer tires!

2) Siping & Bite Particles

Under quick examination, you’ll notice “siping” or the zigzag grooves marking the tire tread. These sipes displace water and grip snow and ice. When they touch the road, the car’s weight makes sipes open up and grab water off ice to reduce sliding between tire and ice. These zigzags also help minimize the loss of stiffness, resulting in more flexible tread blocks in temperatures.

Bite particles are the little studs in the tire tread compound. Essentially, they are miniature studs and will appear more predominantly as the tire wears more. These little microscopic grit particles break into ice to help to give you better grip and braking on icy surfaces. Many of our selection of tires come with siping and bite particles and our knowledgeable team can assist with selecting the right tires for your vehicle needs.

3) Maintenance & Adopting Early Technology

Regularly checking your tire pressure and tread depth is essential to preserving your tires’ condition, especially when winter driving is very harsh on your vehicle.

Many modern vehicles now come with tire pressure monitoring systems. These systems are installed on most vehicles and will alert you when your tire pressure is too low. If you have a tire pressure monitoring system, advise a mechanic and they will ensure your system works with your new tires. Additionally, investing in dedicated rims for your winter tires will keep your winter and summer tires in their best shape as every time your tires are taken off their rims, it wears down the seals and adds to extra mounting costs.

At Xtreme Tire Garage, we are adept and well versed in emerging technologies in the automotive industry to keep you up-to-date on the latest news, trends and auto products. We service tires to manufacturer’s specializations and requirements, so you’re always guaranteed to receive proper and correct maintenance.

4) Where To Purchase Winter Tires

Knowing that winter tires are important is a start, but actually going out and getting them is the key step. When it comes to the tires on your vehicle, it’s important to place the responsibility in the hands of a professional who understands load and speed ratings and proper fitment requirement.  Searching for the best deals can be exhausting and time consuming. There are plenty of winter tire retailers in Mississauga, but to receive great customer service in a family-friendly environment, we think you will agree – Xtreme Tire Garage offers the best overall value in the market.  

We recommend you do your research beforehand and consult with a one of our professionals for your driving needs. They can help you decide on the best winter tire for your your driving needs and work within your budget. We’ve made it easier for you to find quality tire options with quick installation – all  in one comfortable place.

You’ll thank yourself down the road!