Why Winter Tires?

Why are winter tires safer for winter driving? Why do winter tires perform so well in colder weather?

Winter tires are particularly effective under difficult environmental conditions (snow, ice, mud) and low temperatures - temperatures below 7^°C. As temperatures drop, standard all-season tire compound characteristics show decreased elasticity. This results in a reduced contact area and therefore overall grip.

Bottom line? In plain language?

The rubber compound that works so well in warm weather gets too "hard" in cold weather and doesn't do a great job at gripping the ground.

Soooo, if the temperature is below 7^°C - even if it isn't snowing - your vehicle is not performing as safely as it could be. Maximizing the performance of your vehicle - i.e. safety - in colder months is as easy as installing winter tires in the fall.

Here at Maple Toyota, we make it easy for our customers to make the switch!