Tired of switching out your tires every year?
Let’s face it: all-season tires are only meant for year-round driving if you live in the southern United States.
For Canadians, it’s vital to install a set of tires that protect us in snow, ice and frigid temperatures. In places like Quebec, doing so is even a legal requirement. All-season tires are not built to provide traction on winter roads.
There’s nothing safer at this time of year than a set of premium dedicated winter tires, which aren’t designed for summer roads. That means that for optimal year-round safety, drivers traditionally need two sets of tires and need to switch them out twice each year.
Fortunately, there’s a solution that can save you hassle and money while keeping you protected when temperatures plummet and roads become slick. All-weather tires are made for year-round driving, but are also rated to provide safe driving in Canada’s harsh winter climate.
All-weather tires combine all-season and winter driving technology to give drivers year-round peace of mind on the road. They’re the most convenient winter driving option, since you can keep them on all year long.
All-weather tires handle well in rain and heat, but they’re also marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (also known as the severe service emblem) that certifies that they’re suitable for winter use. Notably, this certification makes them legal for use in areas that require winter-rated tires.
Nokian Tyres invented the all-weather tire and is already on its fifth generation of the product. The Scandinavian company encourages their use in areas with unpredictable or milder winter weather.
“We designed all-weather tires to provide safe driving in all conditions,” says Steve Bourassa of Nokian Tyres. “While dedicated winter tires remain an ideal option for drivers who experience consistently severe winter weather, our all-weather products offer a great combination of safety and convenience for drivers in many locations in the country.”
Based in Finland, the manufacturer tests its all-weather products north of the Arctic Circle at the same facility where it puts its winter tires to the test. The key to their year-round performance is an asymmetrical tread design: one side of the tire’s tread pattern looks like a winter tire, while the other side has grooves that are more typical of an all-season product.
It all adds up to a convenient, versatile driving experience that protects drivers much more effectively than all-season tires.
~newscanada
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