Winter Tires in Canada

*Continental Tire VikingContact 7 | ©Adrien Dominguez*

The First Snowfall

Picture this in the fall: snow is forecasted to arrive in the coming days. Many Canadians rush to get their winter tires on while others are ready and waiting, I fall into the latter camp. The first snowfall hits and chaos ensues in the city: motorists speeding overconfidently, others driving overly cautiously, and the first snowfall collisions come ablaze on the traffic reports. Time and time again I hear the phrase “I don’t need winter tires, I have all-wheel (or four-wheel) drive” or “I have all-seasons.” My response is “All-wheel drive helps get you going, but does nothing to stop you at that four-way stop sign. And all seasons should be called three seasons.”

Being in Canada it always irks me when people don’t have winter tires, especially in non-mild weather areas such as the Prairies and etc. Yes, I understand the cost factor of initially purchasing them and the inconvenience of having to change tires from summers and winters and vice versa but the tremendous benefits outweigh the cons. But I firmly believe it is misconceptions with all-seasons and lack of education and awareness of winter tires that’s hampering the remaining push for winter tire usage.

*Continental Tire CrossContact LX Sport | ©Adrien Dominguez*

Only 76%?

It comes as no surprise that winter tires are designed and perform exceptionally in cold winter conditions, which Canada is the “great white north.” What may come as a surprise is that only 76% of Canadians use winter tires according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) 2021 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study. Quebec is the sole exception as it is mandatory from December 1 to March 15 inclusive that all motorized road vehicles registered in Québec (other than heavy vehicles, tool vehicles and farm machinery) must be equipped with winter tires. Due to regulations, they have 100% usage during that period. The Winter Tire Report 2021 is an excellent read and analyzes the province breakdown, perception, benefits, safety initiatives and other insights concerning winter tire usage in Canada. I have attached the link for further reading https://tracanada.ca/tire-reports/winter-tire-report-2021/

What makes a winter tire, a winter tire?

No matter which brand you choose, a winter tire with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) will provide the best winter performance in winter conditions. These tires equipped with 3PMS have met Transport Canada’s requirement

“under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), which specifies the tires identified with the 3PMS symbol must pass the ASTM F-1805 Driving Traction Test on a medium packed snow surface. The ASTM F-1805 Driving Traction Test is a well-established performance-based standard for winter tire testing.” (TRAC, 2022)

Winter tires are best used when the temperature drops below 7°C (46 °F). They have a uniquely engineered rubber compound that remains soft and flexible in colder temperatures allowing for better handling and control on and off the roads.

The VikingContact 7’s have active grip silica for improved wet grip and braking performance. Rapeseed oil composition for superb adaptation to the snowy and icy ground. They also feature a deeper tread pattern than a traditional non-winter tire and are also equipped with sipes for increased snow traction and braking (Continental Tire, 2022).

I have personally used the VikingContact 7’s provided by Continental Tire on several vehicles over the years along with other winter tires from other brands. Winter tires have saved me in several instances from being involved in a collision. TRAC (2021) has also found that “seventy-nine percent of Canadian drivers who drive a car equipped with winter tires say that their winter tires have saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation.”

It is important to note that all-season tires are not 3PMS rated and as a result do not meet the necessary snow traction requirements to be considered a true winter tire. The new on the market all-weather tires are 3PMS rated and can be used all year in milder climates that may receive occasional snowfall and lighter winters.

*Continental Tire ProContact TX | ©Adrien Dominguez*

Brrrrrring on the snow!

After reading that TRAC report, the results and findings do not surprise me but it is reassuring that more and more motorists are using winter tires to prevent collisions, reduce health costs, lowering insurance costs and payouts, reduce traffic on the road, peace of mind, and general safety. I’ll continue to be an advocate for winter tires as they continue to help save lives and increases safety on the road. So get winter tires if you don’t have them yet! If you do, well you already know all this!