Get Winter Ready: Your All-in-One Guide to Winter Tires

Everything You Need to Know About Switching to Winter Tires

Every year, when the temperature starts to get low, you surely notice people around you rushing to swap out their summer tires. It’s because summer tires or all-season tires are mostly unfit to tackle challenging road conditions during winter, making it important for you to switch to winter, or snow, tires. Moreover, you need more traction and stability to get through slippery or slushy winter roads, which is why you need sturdy and long-performing winter tires. Swapping in winter tires also helps you and everyone around stay safe on the road, as it provides enhanced control over the vehicle on tricky roads. Here’s a handy guide that covers everything winter tire-related, answering key questions like when to switch to winter tires, at what time, and why it’s important, to help you prep ahead of the cold season. Take a look!

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Why Do You Need Winter Tires?

When the snow gets deep and roads get covered in it, winter tires are the best bet for every driver. They offer improved traction, stability, and balance at below-freezing temperatures, ensuring your safety and peace of mind. With a softer rubber compound that delivers maximum flexibility even when the temperature dips to the freezing point, these tires help avoid hydroplaning. Their deep sipes push water away from the threads to improve grip, offering three times more protection against slippage than your regular summer or all-season tires. This level of safety keeps you, everyone aboard and on the road safe from potential accidents.

Can You Use All-Season Tires for Winter?

All-season tires are the most commonly used type of tire by many drivers, as they eliminate the need to switch tires every season. However, these tires are only suitable for warm and dry roads, such as those found during the summer and early fall. When the average temperature falls below 7°C, the rubber of most all-season tires starts to get stiff, and it’s easier for the vehicle to lose control, which is a potential safety concern, especially when you’re living in St. Johns and nearby areas where we experience harsh winter weather. This is why the experts at Terra Nova Motors recommend switching to winter tires at the start of the season. 

When Should You Switch To Snow Tires?

The experienced technicians at our dealership recommend following the 7°C rule to figure out when to switch to winter tires. The 7°C rule is straightforward: monitor the temperature, and if it hovers around 7°C and below for seven consecutive days, it’s your cue to switch your existing tires to a good pair of winter tires. 

How Terra Nova Experts Can Help You Find The Perfect Winter Tires

At Terra Nova Buick GMC, we provide quick and easy tire change services to eliminate the hassles. Our team of certified tire change experts and specialists follow the owner’s manual and industry standards to ensure a proper tire change process, which includes keeping in mind the following things: 

• Finding and installing only the suitable well-engineered set of winter tires that matches the sturdy and athletic body of the make and model of your vehicle
• Carefully monitor the tire pressure to ensure proper wheel balance and stability 
• Keeping an eye on the inflation pressure as air tends to contract in freezing temperatures
• Being mindful of the valve caps to avoid moisture buildup inside the valve 

Need Winter Tires? Shop them at Terra Nova Buick GMC 

At Terra Nova GMC Buick’s Tire Centre, we offer high-quality tires for all makes and models at competitive prices. You can use our user-friendly tire finder tool to find the perfect set of tires for your car, SUV, crossover or pickup truck stress-free. We’re here to help you with your winter tires, check if your existing ones are still in good condition, and help you find wheels or rims when you want to change or protect your wheels. Need assistance? Get in touch with our tire experts at 800-463-4130.