Tires are designed to perform in all types of weather including rain, ice, snow, heat, cold and more. It is important to conduct regular tire maintenance to ensure that traction, stability, and anti-lock braking systems are functioning properly.
The tire pressure should be checked at least twice a month during the summer months and more frequently during the winter months. If your tires are not correctly inflated for the driving conditions, your vehicle will not steer, brake, or accelerate accurately. Always check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and use a good quality tire pressure gauge. Depending on the reading from the gauge, you may need to deflate or inflate your tire to the recommended pressure.
There are four types of tires.
- All-season tires are a blend of summer and winter tires and are an average tire for living in Southern Ontario.
- Summer tires are an option when the weather is hot, and the road is wet as they will grip best in that type of weather. They are not appropriate when temperatures dip under 7°C.
- Winter tires provide better grip in temperatures below 7°C but perform poorly in temperatures above 15°C. Some insurance companies may offer a discount if your vehicle is equipped with winter tires. These tires have a deeper wider tread to clear snow out of the tire treads.
- Studded winter tires can only be used in Northern Ontario from September to May due to the extreme winter road conditions in those areas.
Stay informed about your tire condition and take food care of them. They are the only thing between you and the road.