Pat Foran on getting your car ready for winter

CTVNEWS

Pat Foran on getting your car ready for winter

CTV's consumer affairs expert Pat Foran Published Thursday, October 27, 2011 9:43AM EDT

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We might not want to admit it, but it's almost that time of the year where we find ourselves using "S" words like snow, sleet and slush. With the winter weather just around the corner, it's important to make sure your car is ready for potentially slippery highways and treacherous conditions.

Melissa Arbour with Canadian Tire says the hottest new tire segment for this winter is the "All Weather Tire." Don't confuse this tire with the all season tire. The all weather tire is a winter-designated tire you can leave on your car all year long. It even comes with the snowflake in the mountain symbol which is the designation that indicates a true winter tire.

Arbour says, "All season tires are really only good for all seasons if someone lives in the southern U.S. They are not made for our Canadian winter climate. Winter tires will give you the best traction on ice and snow, but for people looking for extra grip without having to purchase two sets of tires all weather tires are a good option."

All weather tires cost more than all season tires, but usually less than winter tires. They are a great compromise. I used them last winter and found them to be a great option. I really noticed the added traction when the roads turned slick. They are an especially good choice for drivers in Quebec, where winter ties are mandatory between December 15th and March 15th.

Winter tires:

Best traction on ice & snow
Expensive to purchase
Two sets of tires needed
Two seasonal tire changes required
Tire storage needed

All weather tires:

Good traction on ice & snow
Can be left on car all year long
No need for seasonal tire changes
No need for extra rims
No tire storage needed

Key points:

To prepare your car for the winter, make sure the wiper blades are in good condition and that the battery can store a proper charge.
It's also recommended to have properly inflated tires and sufficient windshield wiper fluid.
With improved quality and technology, there's no longer a need to "warm up" newer cars in the winter.
Snow tires and all weather tires are made from softer compounds than all season tires. These compounds remain flexible in cold climates and this allows for greater traction and control.
Quebec is the only province in the country that requires that every car be equipped with four winter tires between December 15 and March 15.
Winter tires should be installed on all four of a car's wheels and all four tires should have the same tread patterns.

Suggestions for an emergency kit in the winter: