A new survey shows that winter tires are gaining traction with Canadian drivers.
Winter driving can be difficult and increasingly Canadians are turning to winter tires to tackle the weather conditions. Winter tires could also help tackle the high cost of auto insurance too.
According to the latest winter tire survey from the Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), 76 per cent of Canadians who drive own winter tires. This is up considerably from last year when 66 per cent of drivers said the same.
Regionally, in Ontario, 69 per cent of drivers own winter tires, while in Alberta, 70 per cent do. In Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, 97 per cent own winter tires while the remaining three per cent risk getting a ticket that can range from $200 to $300. In Atlantic Canada, 94 per cent of drivers make sure their ride is ready for the season.
Do winter tires really make a difference?
Of the winter tire owners surveyed, 80 per cent said they believe that driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation, such as loss of control or a collision.
The survey respondents are not likely wrong in their assessment. The province of Ontario estimates that winter tires can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent, which can go a long way in preventing a collision.
What is it about winter tires that make them better for the season?
Winter tires offer better traction and grip when the temperatures dip or there is snow or ice on the roads. The rubber of a winter tire is different in that it maintains its elasticity in cold temperatures when an all-season tire does not. The treads are also different and together these two features result in a tire that is better suited for winter driving.
Winter tires could also help you lock in lower insurance premium
In addition to the safety benefits of driving with winter tires on your vehicle, they could also help you put a chill on your auto insurance rates too. Many auto insurers offer drivers a discount if their vehicle is equipped with winter wheels, and, if you live in Ontario, all insurers do. The savings will vary but the discount could be as much as five per cent.
Put your premiums on ice and compare quotes today
Driving with winter tires may help in lowering what you pay for auto insurance, but if you’re really looking for ways to save your best bet is to compare car insurance quotes online. At InsuranceHotline.com shop your rate against the quotes available from the more than 30 insurance providers in our network. The savings opportunities will give you a warm winter glow.
