Keep ROLLIN’ with Winter Tires: Part 1

As the leaves begin to pile up on the ground below, our thoughts turn to what else will be covering the ground in just a few short weeks. We talk to Keystone Automotive Canadian Sales Manager and Wheel and Tire expert Joe Robanske to answer your burning questions about what you need to be prepared for in regards to WINTER TIRES when the rubber hits the road (or rather…snow)!

Some of our US readers may not know that Canada has some different winter tire laws that are absent for the most part in the States. Can you give us an overview of what those are?

In some areas of Canada and certain jurisdictions in the US, winter tire use is mandated. You MUST run winter tires on your vehicle. In some provinces, an example being Québec and British Columbia, winter tires having a snowflake rating (found on the tire’s sidewall) need be installed. From a consumer standpoint, it IS NOT more expensive to have a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires. You’re not wearing out your summer tires when the winter set is on—the usage after the initial hit is exactly the same. Plus, you now have tires that perform better no matter what season you are in. For this reason, even in areas where laws aren’t in place, having two sets of wheels and tires is becoming a much more popular option.

Okay, but do I even NEED winter tires? I have a set of all-season tires with good tread-life. Should I still consider getting a separate set of winter tires?

Let’s put it this way, I currently live in Alberta where we do not have a winter tire law, and I would not consider running one set of tires year-round. Once you see the difference running a winter tire makes in performance, you will never go back. The initial investment is a very small price to pay for the safety and grip these tires provide. We run the Pit Bull PBX A/T Hardcore tires, which are snowflake rated, on our Keystone trucks and they perform beautifully for us.

Now let’s say I have a front-wheel drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, should I still replace all four tires or can I get away just swapping out the tires of the driving wheels?

Tires, specifically winter tires, need to be done in fours. Say you’ve got a rear wheel drive vehicle and you put winter tires just on the rear so you have traction—it is certainly not going to help with steering. You need your winter tires to be able to grip the slippery surface so that you can confidently negotiate corners. Plus, with brakes fitted on each wheel, what makes you think you’re going to be able to stop properly if you have two winter and two summer tires? It is MANDATORY that you do all four tires.

Stick around for Part 2 of our Q&A with Joe later this week!