Winter tires – they change you.
They change your attitude about the weather. While you’ll still check the forecast, every single day, you’ll no longer stress if the words “5-10cm” flash across the screen.
They change your comfort zone. Suddenly, a 4-hour road trip through winding roads is no longer off-limits; you’ll navigate the terrain, slowly, safely, knowing each tire’s traction with the road is improved.
They change your work habits. You can make it into the office in all types of inclement winter weather. You can get the kids to school, too. When you’re not worried about how you’ll get there, your productivity improves.
However, one thing never changes. It’s the reason you purchased winter tires in the first place. It’s the people they protect; the ones that matter to you most.
I’ve never thought so much about winter tires. I mean, I’ve always had them; for as long as I can remember, we’ve considered them necessary to safely navigate winter road conditions. However, partnering with Michelin Canada over the past few months has allowed me to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding for exactly why they’re so important.
For every Canadian. For every car.
Now, I know winter is long, but in about a month’s time, we’ll have survived another season. In fact, we can *almost* feel that spring weather coming in! So I’m going to send out one final reminder to my readers, my friends – it’s still a great time to purchase winter tires, if you haven’t already done so. Why?
1. Price. I’m keenly aware that the cost of winter tires prevents many Canadians from purchasing a set. Well, now’s a good time to take advantage of remaining winter tire stock at select dealers. I’m not saying it’s your best option, because you may not find the tires you’re looking for. But I’d much rather you buy your second choice at a discount than none at all.
2. Preparedness. If price isn’t a problem and you’re looking to be prepared for next winter, it’s also the perfect time to purchase a set of tires. This way, you’ll be able to have them installed late in the 2017 fall season vs. waiting for (or scrambling after) the first snowfall.
3. Peace of Mind. Just in case you missed my previous posts and you’re wondering why I’m so passionate about the subject, Carl Nadeau, Michelin Driving Expert, says it best:
“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.”
This season, Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 tires helped to keep my family safe.
The tires feature a wide tread contact patch which generates acceleration and braking power (essential on snow and ice), as well as cornering traction for outstanding winter manoeuvering. The special Flex-Ice compound is formulated to maintain its flexibility under the most extreme cold weather conditions, including snow, slush, ice, and wet and dry pavement.
Take a moment to check out the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 and Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 tires. Visit www.michelinwintercenter.com for winter driving tips. And if you have any questions, don’t ever hesitate to reach out – I’m a bona fide winter tire enthusiast!
Thank you, Michelin Canada, for helping me to #EmbracetheRoad and educate my readers about winter road safety.
This post is sponsored by Michelin Canada as part of the #EmbracetheRoad campaign. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Judy Cowan
Being safe is so important, having winter tires is a must! Mind you I will be glad to switch them off and say hello to Spring.
kathy downey
Having the proper tires is so important,you only have one lfe live it safe !
Krista M
One of my good friends is convinced she doesn’t need winter tires, only all-season, & it’s so frustrating! I tell her constantly that they aren’t safe enough, especially for our harsh Canadian winters. She really needs to get to Michelin Canada!
Lynda Cook
I have always had winter tires and they are there to help you, this year we have been spoiled with no snow, but I still have my winters on just in case!!
Stephanie LaPlante
They definitely make me feel safer more confident that my family will be OK.
Susan T.
Considering how long our winter’s are you really get your money’s worth in Canada! I swear I could use them 9 months of the year here in The Rockies!
Florence Cochrane
We did a couple of trips across Newfoundland this winter and I am glad we had winter tires on. We struck some nasty weather in areas.
Leslie C
This Winter I couldn’t afford Winter tires and driving was scary!!
Debbie Bashford
driving with all weather has never been a problem for me but as I age I know my reflexes and confidence behind the wheel are changing and I might just look for a deal on winter tires
Julie Hartwig
I wouldn’t dream of driving without winter tires, it’s so important!
sarah alexis
Typically we don’t get harsh winters here in BC – but this year I have seen first hand how important winter tires truly are!!!!
kristen visser
seriously winter tires make such a HUGE difference. we have winter tires on our car and not on our SUV which next winter we will definitely get ! you can tell the difference when you drive one with and one without
Sue Frampton
Good advice I need to look into this
Debbie Bashford
just remember winter tires don’t make you invincible you still need to slow down and drive with care when driving conditions get worse
Kristy Reid
Winter tires are a must in Ontario. Although it may seem like an “added” expense, its a necessary one! “All season” tires give people the false sense that they don’t need winter tires.
Marissa
All season tires are definitely not the way to go for our harsh Canadian winters. Now is the best time to invest in winter tires if you’re looking for a good deal. With the amount of road fatalities we see during the winter season, the govt. might make it mandatory for all drivers in Ontario to have winter tires. Thanks for the helpful info.
Stephanie
I always use winter tires in the winter, so important and an easy way to prevent an accident.
Tracey Schmidt
Winter Tires are so important in Canada.
Clair Palmer
they sure make me feel more confident and safer
Nancy Giese
We have never had winter tires, mainly because of the cost, but I sure would like to try them
Debbie White Beattie
I think winter tires are a necessity in our Canadian winters. Better safe than sorry !