Colder weather, freezing rain prompts rush for winter tires in Ottawa

Winter's cold bite is fast approaching and, despite rising living costs, many are looking to get a grip on the weather, and roads with tires that can handle the conditions.

Monday's freezing rain warning drove many to ensure their vehicles are prepared, including motorist, Jon Groves.

"I need to get my winter tires done before the snow comes in or else I'm going to slip and slide everywhere," he says. "It's a safety thing. I can hurt other people and myself."

Across the city, auto shops are busy with bookings and appointments are filling fast. Groves acted quickly to have his tires swapped and is amongst the majority of Canadians who use winter tires.

"You just need winter tires in the winter no matter what," says Hammad Akhtar, Ottawa zone manager for Kal Tire, who adds winter tires are not strictly for more control on snow- and ice-covered roads. "Even in this changing weather, any temperature of seven degrees centigrade and lower, you need winter tires for that cold pavement to help you stop efficiently. The winter tires remain soft in that colder weather giving you the sufficient traction required."

For a Honda CR-V, a popular vehicle model, according to Kal Tire's website, an entry-level set of winter rubber costs about $700, where a premium tire set, like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, is priced around $1,000.

"Top tier winter tires do have different technology that offer you certain better stopping distances as compared to other," says Akhtar.

Another option, an 'all-weather' tire, which can also provide the grip of a winter tire in the winter on the ice and snow, yet you can drive on it all-year round. Prices for the same Honda SUV, start around $650.

Akhtar also notes, having winter tires mounted to a separate set of rims has cost benefits as well.

"Typically, you can downsize [tires] on vehicles if you're looking to purchase a separate set of wheels as well," he says. "Yes, you are doubling your initial cost but you're going to saving in the long-run on that seasonal change-over."

According to a recent Leger survey, commissioned by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), nearly three-quarters of motorists (73 per cent) believe extreme winter weather events, related to climate change, have made winter tires more important than ever.

While the majority of Canadians view winter tires as a crucial investment, the survey shows financial pressures are prompting some drivers to reconsider the expense. Because of this, nearly one in three drivers say they are less likely to purchase winter tires.

"We all see the impact of climate change and the increasing frequency of sudden and severe winter weather events," says Carol Hochu, president and CEO of TRAC. "The good news is that the number of drivers investing in winter tires climbed over the last decade and they are better prepared for winter motoring. Despite the cost-of-living increase, they know winter tires are critical in navigating unpredictability on winter roads, and 79 per cent believe using winter tires saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation."

While winter tires are mandatory in the province of Quebec and must be installed from Dec. 1 to Mar. 15, across Canada they are not; however, if you do choose to use winter tires, many insurance companies will offer a discount.

"It's really a safety thing, I feel more comfortable in driving a car in the winter with snow tires," says motorist, Tom Houston. "I think the all-seasons might work but if you want to go out of the city or driving in heavy snow, winter tires certainly help."

Selecting the right tire can mean the difference between a surefooted winter motoring experience and a nervous drive.

Drivers can learn more about winter tire options at: https://tracanada.ca/consumers/why-winter-tires/.