As the sun rises, the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. Reaching for a cup, you glance down at your smartphone, scrolling past the text messages and onto the local weather app. An inclement weather warning flashes across the screen. You peek outside the window, confirming that there is a fresh layer of snow blanketing the ground. You know what you have to do.
You’ll dress your children warmly, adding layers of protection to cover their delicate skin. You’ll start the car and let it idle in the driveway, allowing the interior to warm to a comfortable temperature. You’ll double check the car seats, ensuring they are positioned properly and the harness is snug. You’ll clear the car’s windshield of snow and ice, confirming you have a clear, unobstructed view.
After all, your children are your most precious cargo. You’re not willing to risk their safety.
And then, you’ll slowly ease out of your driveway, ready to merge into the rush of morning traffic. And just like 34% of the other drivers on the road, you’ll do it without the added safety of winter tires.
What are you willing to risk?
Despite an overwhelming majority of Canadians indicating that safety outweighs cost when it comes to purchasing winter tires, a recent Michelin survey revealed that more than 1 in 3 Canadian drivers still do not own a set.
Think about it. Think about everything you do to protect your kids, to keep them safe. And if you don’t have children or grandchildren, think about what you would do to protect the ones you know – a niece, a nephew, a student, a friend. Think about what is holding you back from purchasing winter tires for your car.
Think about why you are willing to take the risk.
Here are the stats. Although 77% of the survey respondents agreed that cost weighs on their decisions to purchase winter tires, 61% agreed that there is no ceiling price on tires when it comes to winter road safety for themselves and others. So, if Canadians understand the value of winter tires, why is the adoption rate not higher?
It’s fairly simple. The lack of winter tire use can be attributed to the belief among many Canadians (43%) that all-season tires are sufficient for winter driving.
(This is a misconception. And a dangerous one, too.)
Carl Nadeau, Michelin driving expert, breaks it down for us. “While all-season tires are meant to keep you safe in occasional, transitional weather conditions, you need winter tires to safely ride through our Canadian winters. The unique tread compounds of winter tires allow them to remain more flexible in colder temperatures, providing better traction than all-season tires. All-season tires are less flexible and less effective when the temperature drops consistently below freezing, and especially when precipitation is added to the mix.”
Friends, take a look outside your window. It’s a winter wonderland! And if you haven’t already made the decision to own a set of winter tires, tell me, which group do you belong to?
1. In the majority of provinces, the most popular reason for not owning winter tires is the belief that the respondents’ vehicles are sufficient at handling winter conditions. (Translation: “I own a big, bad SUV. That means I’m invincible, right?”)
2. In British Columbia, 56% of survey respondents indicated they do not own winter tires because it does not snow enough or get cold enough where they live. (Well, this myth has been dunked! Vancouver has seen more snow than Toronto in the past three weeks!)
3. The main reason respondents in Quebec gave for not owning winter tires at the time of the survey was that they had purchased a new vehicle in the spring/summer that did not come with winter tires. (Time to start factoring the cost of winter tires into any new car purchase.)
4. Respondents from Western Canada (56%) particularly believe all-season tires are safe for the winter, followed by Ontario (50%). (See Carl’s note above.)
Public Service Announcement: You do NOT want to belong in one of the above groups. It’s not too late to outfit your vehicle with winter tires – winter has only just begun! We have three more months of snow, sleet and slush (at least!) to contend with.
This season, I’m on a mission. I’m pleased to partner with Michelin to educate my readers about winter road safety, and how winter tires are an integral part of the mix. Equipped with Michelin X-Ice Xi2 tires, follow our winter adventures on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram via the hashtag #EmbracetheRoad.
This post is sponsored by Michelin Canada as part of the #EmbracetheRoad campaign. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Dang Canadian winters!! I can’t imagine not having snow tires… I know they can be expensive but they can also make a difference in life or death.
We have snow tires, yes they don’t come cheap but safety is a must!
This is a great post Lena and a wake-up call for all drivers who do not have winter tires. Especially, drivers who think that if you have all-season tires, there is no need to invest in winter tires. Sadly, they fail to understand that life is more precious and their safety is worth the cost of the tires.
A excellent post everyone should read.We have snow tires to protect ourselves and other on the road.Safety first.
Wow this is so true! My friend is always saying, “I have an SUV, I don’t need winter tires”. She thinks all-season tires are just fine. Living in a very snowy/icy city, I think it’s a must-have for safety.
I don’t have winter tires, I live in a rural area and if there is snow on the roads or a risk of a storm I have the luxury to just stay home. It’s been over 15 years since I’ve driven in the snow.
I really wish it was law in Ontario you had to have winter tires. I will not drive or let my girls drive unless they have winter tires during the winter season. It’s a must.
we couldn’t afford to get winter tires on both vehicles BUT we did get winter tires on our car because that is the vehicle my husband uses most and drives longer distances with. They make a HUGE difference
I never drive a winter without my winter tires
Come October I always book an appointment to get our winter tires on. Safety always comes first in our household!
I always make sure I have winter tires before the snow comes! They make a difference! Safety does outweigh cost!
Winter driving can be so treacherous here in the mountains. You definitely want all the safety gear you can get!
I have been avoiding driving on the days when it snows at all costs. I dont trust the other drivers out there – it’s NOT WORTH THE RISK!
Happy New Year with your family.
I am married to a mechanic so all our vehicles have winter tires and summer tires, and every year in Oct. the snow’s get put on, plus rotated when he does the oil change through out the winter months!
We have snow tires and it gives us a peace of mind for sure.
Winter tires are expensive, but I think our lives are worth it!
we have brand new snow tires on our Escape , we were lucky they were on the SUV when we bought it in October , but we always put snow tires , hubby is very handy thank goodness , he does all our tires changes and repairs , saves a lot of money ! Safety first always <3
Great post and very important read to those taking a chance and putting themselves and loved ones at risk. Safety comes first. I am fortunate to have my dad and brothers as mechanics and they always look out for me and my family.
Great post, and completely relevant.
I am always amazed that even on rental vehicles it is almost impossible to get snow tires except in Quebec.
Always get winter tires, my father is a mechanic and would never want us to go without. I can’t even fathom not getting them.
Winter is definitely a dangerous time to drive. We’re a very cautious family and have winter tires on all 3 vehicles.
I am so frustrated…why do people drive like morons?
We definitely have winter tires but it’s so expensive – to buy them and store them and then pay to change them. And then when we replace the car we might not be able to use them if they’re the wrong size!
I am not willing to risk my or anyone’s else safety when it comes to winter tires and being safe on the road…you only live once
I will not even get into my car to drive 5 minutes to my closest Starbucks without winter tires in the winter. I don’t understand how some people are OK with driving without winter tires in winter conditions. It makes me nervous just thinking about it.
We have so many cars being taken off the road because of not having the proper tires,we get bad winters here in Newfoundland and no one should be out without the proper tires.
I have winter tires and so do several people I know but the people that don’t feel there isn’t a risk to them and at the same time some of them have been in accidents. I think it’s all up to luck !
Honestly it’s time to start thinking about getting your ride ready for winter,and saving for winter tires if you don’t have any yet!