The great tire debate: TV host recommends all-weather wheels
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Driving on Saskatchewan’s roads is always a challenge during the winter, even if you have the proper tires on your vehicle. However, a large number of Canadians drive with tires that don’t measure up to the conditions on the road.
About 50 per cent of Canadians have all-season tires year-round.
“The all-season tire performs well spring, summer, and fall,” said Bill Gardiner from TSN’s Motoring 2014. “But in the winter time when it gets down to anything 7 C or lower, the grip is greatly diminished.”
Gardiner points to all-weather tires as a better option that will provide excellent performance throughout the year.
“The cap compound of these tires has been specially engineered to give you grip above and below 7 C.”
Winter provides a number of challenges for the all-season tire. Since the grip is reduced in colder temperatures, it takes longer to stop. It also fails to expel slush from the treads.
The Rubber Association of Canada has approved the all-weather tire as meeting extreme severe service criteria for a winter tire. As a result, it has the mountain snowflake symbol which is also present on all-winter tires. The all-season tires do not have it.
There is number of cost-saving advantages to the all-weather tires. Since it is designed to remain on your vehicle all year, there is no need to purchase another set. That means you will not be forced to switch or store them.
“With the all-weather tire, you run one set on your original rims with your original TPMS sensors,” said Gardiner. “You don’t have to buy a redundant set of wheels and sensors for your car.”
Gardiner does not believe everyone needs all-weather tires. Of course, the all-winter tires are a good option, especially for people living in a rural setting where streets are not plowed and salted as often. However, he does recommend the all-weather wheels for anyone living in urban areas where the streets are better maintained.
“You still have to drive to conditions regardless of what tire you have on your car,” said Gardiner.
news@panow.com
On Twitter: @princealbertnow
