Transport Canada
and the Rubber Association of Canada advise motorists to think about safe
driving in winter. Vehicle handling will
be improved when tires of the same type, size, speed rating and load index are installed on all four wheels.
Snow Tires
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Tires
marked with the pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake meet specific snow
traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in severe
snow conditions.
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If you intend driving in severe winter conditions,
install four winter tires that meet the "snow tire"
designation on your vehicle. These snow tires will assist you to control your vehicle safely in
slippery conditions.
Other Tires
Tires marked "M + S" or "mud and snow" tires,
also known as "all-season" tires— continue to provide safe
all-weather performance, but may not always be suitable for severe snow conditions.
Wide, high performance tires, other than those that are
specifically designed as snow tires, are not suitable for use on snow
covered roads.
What Snow Tires are Available
You
can contact tire dealers or
manufacturers to obtain information on which models meet this new designation.
Remember:
- Install four winter tires - To help maintain control and
stability of your vehicle in icy conditions, Transport Canada and the
Rubber Association of Canada recommend that you install winter tires in
sets of four.
- Mixing tires with different tread patterns, internal
construction, and size degrades the stability of the vehicle and should
be avoided.
- As a tire wears, snow traction is reduced. Tires that are
worn close to the tread-wear indicators have reduced traction and should
not be used on snow-covered roads or in severe snow conditions.
- Proper air pressure extends tread life, improves safety, and
reduces fuel consumption — all vital factors in saving energy and
protecting the environment. Tire pressure decreases as temperatures
drop, so be sure to check the pressures at least once a month when the
tires are cold, preferably after the car has been out all night. (For
more information on proper tire inflation, please see our publication “Riding
on Air” at
http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp/tp2823/menu.htm.)
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