Winter Driving: Stay Safe on the Roads

Get ready, winter is coming

Getting ready for the colder weather can seem daunting and scary for some people. The days are shorter, winds are picking up and snow is starting to fly, which means only one thing: winter is here. It’s fair to say we’ve all pondered what mother nature will throw at us next. As we gear up for the heaviest snowfalls to hit during December to February, Canadians pride ourselves on being able to survive the most miserable winters. The fact is, there’s no such thing as being too prepared—after all this is Canada. We’re sharing our insights to get you winter-ready so you won’t have to worry.

All season tires vs. winter tires

A common discussion up for debate: all season tires vs. winter tires. Drivers are often undecided about the benefits of winter tires. Some look to buy all season tires instead, in aims of getting the best of both worlds. All season tires are typically provided with a new car purchased directly from the factory floor. All season tires are designed to be used in the summer months and light snow conditions. However, the key word here is “light”. All season tires are not capable of withstanding heavier winter conditions. In the event of more than a light snow covering on the road, drivers will notice their car sliding and slipping with all season tires.

One obvious advantage for drivers to have winter tires is that their vehicles are safer on the roads. Winter tires provide an extra layer of grip, even on icy surfaces. Some winter tires have studs that dig into the hard layer of ice, reducing your chance of losing control in slippery conditions. Thus, arguing the best reason to get winter tires is to make sure the roads are as safe as they can be for drivers during the winter.

All season tires are to be used in summer months and light snow conditions, while winter tires provide grip even at the lowest temperatures with thicker and deeper treads. The real difference is the rubber. Winter tires are made of a softer compound that is supposed to stick better to cold roads – and stay supple down to minus -40 C.

The benefits of winter tires

Let’s take a closer look at the top reasons to put on your winter tires:

  • Winter tires offer great value. Your investment in winter tires can go along way since they can be used for years if stored in a dry place.
  • Discount on your auto insurance. It is important to remember in order to obtain the discount, tires must be on from November through March.
  • It’s really a best practice. Law recommends winter tires in Canada.
  • Proactively avoid accidents. Winter tires help to shorten your braking distance by 25%, therefore preventing the possibility of collision.

Getting you road ready for winter!

Our BT Tips:

  1. Create a ‘survival kit’. This should include: gloves, booster cables, shovel, windshield wiper fluid, first aid kit, snow brush, water bottles and non-perishable food items.
  2. Check weather and road conditions often. Choose the route you’ll take ahead of time and check the weather forecast to make sure you know what to expect before you hit the road.
  3. Keep a safe distance behind snow plows. Snow plow drivers do not always have the best visibility and can create clouds of snow that can reduce your visibility as well.
  4. Get winter tires! They provide better traction, handling and breaking and can shorten your braking distance by as much as 25%. You will also save on your Auto Insurance by doing so.
  5. Slow down and give yourself extra travel time. This one is obvious, but important. Drive according to the road conditions around you and don’t rely on the estimated time of arrival your GPS gives you.
  6. Clear snow and ice from your vehicle. Clean all windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.
  7. Keep a full gas tank. It can help reduce moisture in the fuel system and also adds extra weight to your vehicle to slow it down.
  8. Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads. It is easy to lose control of your vehicle in bad weather if you rely on cruise control.

If you do not already have winter tires, be sure to consider it. We as drivers have the responsibility to keep our roads safe and we’re hoping the insurance discount will only bring further incentive.

Brokers Trust is here to help. To talk to us about winter tire discount, give us a call today at 905-760-1515. We look forward to hearing from you!