With the weather fluctuations Barrie and Simcoe County have been enduring over the last few weeks, it’s no wonder car accidents have been on the rise. Heavy rain followed by even heavier snow falls and flash freezing can cause hazardous road conditions. However, by installing the proper winter tires for your vehicle, you can turn that stressful drive into a safe and comfortable experience.

Whether you are installing your winter tires from the previous season or shopping for new winter tires, understanding the three most important aspects of a winter tire: the tread depth, traction, and temperature can help make sure you spend winter trips on the roads, not in the ditch.

This post on traction is the second in our series of three about the most important aspects of buying winter tires in Barrie:

Why do I need to think about traction when buying winter tires?

Many vehicles on the road today employ the use of ABS and traction-control systems to provide you with better control. These systems, however, do not improve or create traction. Your performance is limited to the traction provided by your tires. Modern engineering has produced high-tech winter tires with digitally-optimized tread designs and features such as FleX-Ice, a state-of-the-art rubber silica-based compound exclusive to Michelin, to provide optimal traction and exceptional braking on ice.

Won’t All-Season tires provide the same traction?

An all-season tire is not designed for use during our harsh Canadian winters. The rubber used in an all-season tire becomes rigid and unyielding to the contours of the pavement when the temperature dips below 7°C. Winter tires are designed with softer rubber, which retain their elasticity in the coldest temperatures, providing you with the traction you need to stay on the road this winter. Look for the RMA/RAC Mountain Snowflake branded on a tire’s sidewall identifying a tire designed for use in severe snow conditions.

Action Tire carries a wide selection of winter tires to suit every driver’s needs. Whether you require an aggressive tread to combat deep, heavy snow and areas prone to drifting snow, or a tire designed to bite on icy roads like our major highways the staff at Action Tire will help you choose the right tire for you and your vehicle.

Call (705) 726-7868 to book a tire inspection or to receive a quote
Book a tire changeover or maintenance appointment online today.