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Let鈥檚 face it: Winter driving conditions can be both frustrating and challenging.
Even with milder temperatures here in British Columbia, and fewer snow days than other provinces, it鈥檚 hard to predict icy, slippery conditions.
The right tire combined with weather-appropriate driving behaviour significantly increases driving safety.
Here are just five reasons to consider purchasing winter tires this season to keep you and your loved ones safe on the open road.
1. Better performance
It鈥檚 a well-known fact that winter tires perform better in colder temperatures. As temperatures drop below 7潞C, the winter tire develops more grip, while the all-season tire loses grip and the summer tire is rendered useless.
2. Longevity
Yes, there鈥檚 a cost to having winter tires, but think of it as both a safety and financial investment that will pay off. With a set of both winter and summer tires being used for six months each, both sets of tires will last longer.
3. Better wet-weather traction
Winter tires are designed with slush and snow-pumping tread pattern to deflect the snow away from the tire contact path. This also works with rain-soaked roads.
4. Technology isn鈥檛 always everything
If you think electronic driving and traction aids are good enough to keep you safe during the winter, think again. While anti-lock brakes, traction control systems and stability control systems have been developed to help driving in slippery conditions, here鈥檚 the bottom line: Your tires are the only part of your vehicle in direct contact with the road. Even four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can鈥檛 help if the tires are not gripping on the road surface.
5. Because the law says so
Winter tires are required here in B.C. on many rural mountain passes in the Interior, north and in areas of Vancouver Island between Oct. 1 and March 31. For a list of highways where winter tires are required, visit .
Note: The minimum requirement is a M + S (Mud and Snow) rating stamped on your tire. Real 鈥榳inter鈥� tires have mountain and snowflake symbol.
Whether it's time to replace your tires or get ready for the safe winter drive, offers leading-edge tire technology at competitive prices along with the exceptional service.