Are Winter Tires Necessary in Newfoundland?
October 14 2021, Hickman Automotive Group
WHY USE WINTER TIRES?
Winter tires should be installed for your own safety and the safety of your passengers. No matter where you live or what size vehicle you drive, winter driving condition will impact your vehicle’s performance.
ALL-SEASON VS. WINTER TIRES
Although all-season tires can be used in a moderate winter environment, winter tires provide the best cold weather performance below 7°C. This includes wet and dry in addition to snow/ice/slush surfaces where greater tread flexibility leads to better grip.
Why You Need Winter Tires in Newfoundland?
Winters in Newfoundland can be quite rough. So the question of “do you need winter tires in Newfoundland?” can be answered with a simple three letter word; yes. Newfoundland winters generally fall beneath the 7 degrees Celsius range which truly affect all-season tires as they are not designed for these much colder temperatures. All season tires also have shallower grooves compared to winter tires which make it quite difficult for the tire to grip the pavement when there is snow or slush on the ground. The tread compounds in winter tires stay softer and more flexible in cold Newfoundland winters, this improves traction, handling, and control when temperatures begin to dip in the province.
Official Winter Tire Logo
Tires marked with the pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake meet specific snow traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in severe snow conditions.
GETTING MAXIMUM TRACTION
For maximum traction in wet or snow conditions, replace tires before they reach minimum tread depth.
LOSS OF PRESSURE
Tires will lose pressure when the temperature gets colder. The general rule provided by tire manufacturers is 7kPa or 1psi drop for every 5 degree Celsius or Fahrenheit change, so measuring tire pressures year-round is vital.
Winter Tires Vs Studded Winter Tires
Winter tires offer traction optimized with deeper grooves and sharp irregular edges. Tread compounds remain flexible in temperatures below 7 degrees Celcius. Studded tires will provide enhanced traction on ice allowing the tire to more easily grip the road when driving in deep snow or icy conditions.
CHOOSING YOUR WINTER TIRES
It is important when choosing winter tires to take into consideration how much driving you will do, your driving habits, local road conditions, and the level of performance you expect. Drop into one of our locations and our service departments will be happy to recommend the right tires for the right price!
