Why Winter Tires are Important for Harsh Winnipeg Weather

​Some people think the tread pattern is the only difference between winter, summer, and all-season tires. However, the tire compound and construction set these tires apart. Their ultimate grip is due to the ability to dig the road surface. Like summer tires perform best during the hot weather, winter tires work better in the cold. This blog post explains why winter tires are important to use when the weather gets colder. But first, let’s understand winter tires better.

What Are Winter Tires?

​Winter tires have more flexible and soft rubber that remains pliable during the cold weather, providing a better grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Moreover, these tires have more voids and lugs, creating sharp, irregular edges. Their design features enable them to eject snow, slush, and ice from their grooves, enhancing traction.

Why Winter Tires Are Important for Harsh Weather Conditions

​Experts recommend installing winter tires if you live in Winnipeg. In some Canadian provinces, the law requires you to install these tires on your vehicle. Authorities can even fine you for not using winter tires between December 5 and March 5. Here are the top reasons to install winter tires in Winnipeg.

Improved Stopping Distance

​Driving a vehicle with all-season tires is hazardous during winter. However, installing winter tires can improve your car’s stopping distance, even when driving on snow, ice, or cold pavement. Thus, installing these tires on your vehicle can prevent a car crash.

Maximum Traction

​The unique material profile makes winter tires ideal for icy and snowy roads. Their rubber treads have biting edges. These small dashes on the tires’ surface increase their grip potential. Additionally, all-season tires get hard during the cold weather, reducing traction. Winter tires have a more flexible and softer rubber that provides better traction when driving on ice- or snow-covered roads.

Better Tread Depths

​Winter tires have better tread depths which reduces snow or ice build-up. This combined with their unique tread pattern makes the snow that builds up on them into water that slides off the tires. Some manufacturers use hysteresis, a process that generates heat as the tires deform and recover repeatedly as they rotate under the vehicle’s weight. This technology improves tread stability.

Unique Materials for Low Temperatures  ​

​Winter tires have materials that make them ideal for cold temperatures. Unlike the materials on all-season tires that make treads less responsive and rigid in cold temperatures, these tires have a unique rubber compound that is flexible and capable of grasping onto frozen surfaces better.

Better Maneuverability

Unlike OEM tires, winter tires have skinnier sizing, making them ideal for winter. Their narrow width improves the pressure they exert per square inch, leading to easier cutting through the ice instead of floating on top of it. Manufacturers design winter tires to perform better in snow, slush, ice, and low temperatures. While you can drive a vehicle with all-season tires in various conditions, winter tires are ideal for light snowfall and wet roads. So, stop wondering why winter tires are important for harsh weather. Instead, ensure your car has them between December and March. Remember to call Towing Winnipeg if you get into any sort of accident or are in need of roadside assistance.