It’s time to talk Tires and not just any tires … Winter Tires ! ( Snow Tires )
Atlantic Canadians have been increasing our use of Winter Tires over the past 5 years – and in my opinion, that’s a good thing.
In Nova Scotia it’s not mandatory to have winter tires on your vehicle.
Quebec requires that all taxi and passenger vehicles, as well as mopeds, motorized scooters and motorcycles to be equipped with winter tires from Dec. 15 to March 15 ( Yup – Scooters & Motorcycles ).
In B.C, winter tires are mandatory for certain highways from October 1 to April 30.
https://www.save.ca/community/when-winter-tires-are-required-in-each-canadian-province/
In Atlantic Canada we have been doing well with our Obsession for Grip on Snow.
I found a study from TRAC that 91 per cent of Atlantic Canada drivers now ride on winter tires – up from 73 per cent in 2014.
TRAC’s study for Atlantic Canada Also Found :
- Among those not using winter tires, 43 per cent believe all-seasons are “good enough”.
- 32 per cent say they do not use winter tires because they do not drive much in winter.
- 7 per cent say cost is their reason for not using winter tires .
Most Tire Companies will tell you the best time to install your Winter treads is before the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius , or before the first snowfall ( That could be tomorrow or next week ) . Many of us will get our Winter Tires put on towards the end of October to avoid the rush on service departments after the first snowfall. ( you know how busy that can be ).
What kind of Winter Tire do you put on your vehicle ?
An aggressive tread ?
Or perhaps STUDS for some really great Traction on Ice ?
I have used both , an Aggressive tread is great for our maritime winter and a Studded Tire is great for stopping in Icy Conditions , most all winter tires can be studded ( Consumer option ) .
Studded Tires in Nova Scotia can Only Be Used Between The 15th day of October in any year and the 31st day of May.https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/regs/mv4579.htm
Will YOU be Using Winter Tires ?
Hartley Reede .
