Tires marked with an M+S (Mud and Snow) are also legally acceptable but do not provide the same degree of performance as a mountain snowflake tire in severe winter conditions.

Winter tires improve driving safety by providing better traction in snow, slush and icy conditions. Check for wear before installing the tires and check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.

 

2) Get your car winter ready with a maintenance check up. Preventative maintenance is key. Make sure your battery, brakes, lights and fuses, cooling and heating systems, electrical and exhaust systems, and belts and hoses are in tip-top shape.

 

3) Change your wiper blades to winter blades. They are heavier and push snow and ice more easily.

 

4) Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, hood and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the window to defrost completely to allow clear visibility all around.

 

5) If you have a cell phone, make sure it’s charged and bring it with you. A car charger for the phone is a smart device to have on hand. Cell phone batteries can freeze in very cold weather. Don’t leave your phone in the car for extended periods of time.

 

6) Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is full, and carry extra washer fluid in your vehicle.

 

 

 

Winter, and the associated snow, ice, cold and climatic nastiness that goes with it is now upon us Canadians.
 

 

You know that winter tires will make your ride safer if you're driving in winter. You know that you should probably install a set, because they're a good idea. If you ask someone you know who owns winter tires, they'll tell you they make a big difference for grip, handling, traction and all-around confidence.

Since you know that installing winter tires are an all-around solid idea, the balance of this article won't be your typical preach-piece about putting winter rubber on your ride and what could happen if you don't. Instead, we'll focus on a few key benefits you can expect by installing a set--especially on your newer car, truck or SUV model.

 

Compromise-Free
Winter tires have both a flexible rubber compound and unique tread design that's made exclusively for use on snow, slush and ice and in cold temperatures. With no compromises made for other seasons, drivers will benefit from significantly increased traction during acceleration, notably shorter stopping distances, and a drastic increase in directional stability at speed. Where all-season tires are a little bit good in the heat and a little bit good in the cold, winter tires specialize in cold-climate driving, and it shows. With the compromise-free, cold-climate engineering behind winter tires, drivers can enjoy the cold-weather travel season with peace of mind to spare for themselves, or anyone using their ride.

 

Maximized AWD Performance
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a favorite bit of powertrain hardware with Canadian shoppers in numerous vehicle types. Today's latest models have more fast-acting, precise and sophisticated all-wheel drive systems than ever before--and whether you drive a Subaru, Ford, Acura Hyundai or Mitsubishi, your ride's AWD system reacts with millisecond precision to low-traction situations to keep you and your family safe by supporting you in maintaining vehicle control.

So, if you've invested in AWD, why not consider maximizing the system's performance with a set of winter rubber? Remember: the only way to increase the amount of physical traction between a vehicle and the road's surface is through the tires. Proper tires for the season gives your AWD system plenty more grip to work with, allowing it to do its job with maximum effectiveness.