Do You Know? Winter Tires or Snow Tires?

Things are not as simple as they once were, so we are finding experts who will share their wealth of knowledge and experience with you.
Our own team of 'Myth Busters.' Buying a car isn't just about the car anymore; tires come in a veriety of sizes, widths, diameter, rubber compound etc. or perhaps you want to upgrade with new wheel and tire package. Do you know the change that took place in tires and wheels since 2007 that can effect your insurance coverage if you change wheels?

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• how
• to
• performance
• tires
• video
• wholesale
• suv
• automibile
• Tires
• firestone
• peirelli
• Bridgestone
• online
• prices
• buy
• tire
• goodyear
• sale
• repairs
• low
• profile
• dealers
• Okanagan
• Car
• TIres
• authority
• ratings
• sizes
• for
• snow
• winter
• summer
• auto
• rims
• wheels
• off-road
• best
• all-season
• brands
• tirerack
• tread
• pressure
• guage
• superior
• custom
• Michelin
• brakes
• insurance
• rubber
• experts
• Kelowna
• Dunlop
• British
• Columbia
• Destination
• Canada
• JCVdude
• production
• TourismBC
• HelloBC
• BC
• yt:crop=16:9
• LOCALSKNOW

[genie0390]

people telling you that you need snow/winter tires are engaging either in deceit or just don't know any better

good all seasons combined with traction control is much more than you'll ever need, especially living in Kelowna

if you travel a lot through mountain passes in winter, put on some blizzaks, or buy some chains

[JCVdude]

I believe years ago Cindy always drove with just all-seasons - around Kelowna. However, on the highway, winters. Also, by law in BC, you need winters after a certain date in October if you want to travel on the highways.

[317murph]

Why does every old fart find it necessary to comment how long they have gone "all those years" driving without snow tires and have "survived" just fine?

BFD......the winter performance of a dedicated winter tire is INDISPUTABLE........it's about performing best for the one worst case scenario moment that additional traction and control MAY help avoid and accident and injury.

You can continue to walk the high wire successfully without a net for another season......or maybe not.

[RayAir1]

Last year there was a winter storm warning and it was snowing hard. Me and another car were approaching a light at the same speed. It turned red. I safely stopped as I watched the other car slid right through the light. That was the first year i ran winter tires on my car and they are a very good investment. What difference.

If you live in an area where it snows, invest in some winter tires. You won't regret it.

[Victortrotska]

@LilJuelzIII It is best to keep a set of winter tyres for winter and another set of "summer" tyres for summer for maximum safety.

Many people keep winter tyres all year long without much problem. If you do that the problem is that if one day you are in a "extreme" situation like emergency braking or fast sharp turn the tyre will wear very fast on brake resulting in longer braking time. To "visualize" it: take a rubber eraser on a piece of paper, slide it fast: that's a winter tyre in summer.

[LilJuelzIII]

I have a question. I currently have a set of "all season tires". I want to invest in the snow/winter tires with no problem. However, when I do decide to buy these tires, what will happen to the tires I currently have? would I have to buy new tires for the spring/summer/fall?

[MaverickXeo]

@317murph Because most people put on winter tires, thinking they can stop on a dime. Winter tires may be better, BUT All seasons are just fine. The tires are of the LOWEST importance in winter driving; the MOST important thing is SKILL and ability. Sort of like people who rely on ABS, TCS, 4x4, etc. They are all completely useless in the grand scheme of things.

[MaverickXeo]

@genie0390 I dont have ABS, winter tires, traction control, or any special features. I also took out my sportscar without these things last winter with old summer tires and never once did I spin the tires.

[Victortrotska]

@317murph Some people are ready to sacrify others people safety/life just to spare a few bucks. That is very sad because some people do not realize that is exactly what they are doing.

[jefevonQ]

I know better. Please don't deceive people.

A decent set of winter tires like Blizzaks will greatly enhance the stopping and turning ability of the vehicle. I live in Wisconsin and have been using snow tires for the last decade. The best way to find the difference is to drive in the same storm. Drive to the tire dealer, buy/install snows, then drive back. That was my first experience. I sold myself easily. A whole lot less feedback from the ABS.

[mattsvai]

Well said. I learned the hard way.

[rtsoccerplayer]

no matter what, winter tires will exceed all seasons in the winter time. and why would you get mags for the winter?!?!?