Not too early to start thinking winter tires

Watch above: It’s never too soon to start thinking about winter tires

SASKATOON – Even though fall weather seems to be holding strong, so far, it’s never too early to start thinking about whether or not to install winter tires on your vehicle.

Experts say it’s better to be safe than sorry when the snow hits.

Long harsh winters are all too familiar to Saskatchewan motorists and being prepared could go a long way to arriving on time safely.

“Even if there’s no snow on the road, a wet road, at low temperatures, is very slick. And this is where a winter tire or all weather tire will really perform well,” said Bill Gardiner, Kal Tire spokesman.

About 50 per cent of Canadians drive with all season tires year-round.

Driving slower will help but this could mean problems for those without winter tires, according to tire experts and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).

“If the driver ahead of you is on winter tires or all weather and you’re on all season and he breaks aggressively for an obstacle, pedestrian or whatever you’re going to be in trouble even if you are maintaining the gap you thought was appropriate for your speed,” said Gardiner.

Experts are urging drivers to avoid all season tires once it hits seven degrees Celsius. That’s because once you hit the brakes it takes an extra 30 metres to stop.

“If you’re trying to break aggressively on a wet road, and low temperature, and an all season tire you’re going to slide, you’re going to lock up, or have your anti-lock braking system kicking in,” said Gardiner.

To avoid situations like this, be sure to look for a ‘mountain snow flake’ symbol or thick grooves to push slush and a thick tread to block ice and snow.

“We do see an increase in collisions after that first snow fall when people are trying to get their winter driving legs back. We do see an increase more so in fender bender type collisions,” said Kelley Brinkworth, SGI communications manager.

Making the switch and knowing what tire works well for your driving style may help you roll through old man winter problem free.