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Winter Tires
Did you know that the width of the part of your tire that comes into contact with the road is equivalent to the size of a postcard? That is why winter driving requires the use of winter tires.
Certification
A winter tire is characterized by its rubber compound and tread, both of which ensure improved adherence at low temperatures to snow- or ice-covered road surfaces.
Every tire that meets the requirements of the "ASTM F1805-00 - Standard Test Method for Single Wheel Driving Traction in a Straight Line on Snow- and Ice-Covered Surfaces" standard since February 1, 1999 is a certified winter tire. Such certification is indicated by a symbol representing a mountain and a snowflake, which manufacturers may, if they wish, affix to their winter tires.
* Information gathered from the following document: Rapport d'évaluation - Comité d'évaluation sur la mise en place de mesures visant à inciter les automobilistes à munir leurs véhicules de pneus d'hiver. For the complete text, click here.
Effectiveness
One of the differences between winter tires and all-season tires is the depth of their respective tread grooves. These must be deeper on a winter tire in order for a vehicle to operate safely in the snow. With deeper treads (about 30% deeper or more) than all-season tires, winter tires allow a vehicle to move forward by compacting the snow into the grooves.
Braking distance increases as the tread groove depth is reduced. The Ministère des Transports recommends that, in the winter, all drivers use tires whose tread is at least 4.8 mm (3/16 in.) deep.
* Information gathered from the following document: Rapport d'évaluation - Comité d'évaluation sur la mise en place de mesures visant à inciter les automobilistes à munir leurs véhicules de pneus d'hiver. For the complete text, click here.
Recommended use
The winter tire market in Québec represents more than 60% of total Canadian sales, or more than 3 million winter tires per year. The use of winter tires by Québec drivers has increased from 66% in 1995 to 90% in 2005.
The average use of winter tires in 2005 was estimated to be
- 86 % in the greater Montréal area;
- 98 % in the greater Quebec City area;
- 94 % elsewhere in Québec.
| Use of winter tires throughout Québec |
|
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
|
(n=1006) |
(n=1001) |
(n=701) |
(n=603) |
(n=609) |
(n=510) |
(n=510) |
(n=496) |
(n=500) |
(n=505) |
(n=500) |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| 2 tires |
9 |
7 |
7 |
4 |
- |
3 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
| 4 tires |
57 |
61 |
56 |
59 |
- |
73 |
73 |
83 |
82 |
83 |
87 |
| TOTAL |
66 |
68 |
63 |
63 |
65 |
76 |
78 |
84 |
84 |
86 |
90 |
| All-season tires |
34 |
31 |
36 |
35 |
34 |
22 |
21 |
16 |
16 |
14 |
10 |
Source : Rapport d'évaluation - Ministère des transports
Winter tires should be used between December 1 and March 31. Given the unpredictability of weather conditions, it is not advisable to change tires early in the spring. You should only install all-season tires on your vehicle when there is no longer any risk of a snowfall or frost.
Winter tires should not be used all year long, as they are designed for use in cold temperatures. The rubber compound, which remains flexible when it is cold, can soften during the summer and have a negative impact on traction. Soft tires do not adhere very well to the road, have an adverse affect on braking, and increase the possibility of skidding on wet surfaces.
A helpful tip: To drive safely, use the appropriate tires for each season of the year.
* Information gathered from the following document: Rapport d'évaluation - Comité d'évaluation sur la mise en place de mesures visant à inciter les automobilistes à munir leurs véhicules de pneus d'hiver. For the complete text, click here.