michelin canada

Quiz: Do You Need Winter Tires? 

December 18, 2018 By Lena 4 Comments

From time to time, I’ve heard arguments from well-meaning friends and family both for and, GASP, against winter tires. Now, if you’ve been following my blog over the last few years, you’ll know I’m a firm – no, staunch – supporter of the use of winter tires. Simply put, they’re a requirement for winter driving. Period.

However, even though I’ve spent a lot of time discussing the merits, I’ve realized that there is still a segment of the population that may not have the most up-to-date information. To help you make a more informed decision, I’ve developed the following quiz!

1. Do you live in Canada?

YES – You need winter tires.
NO – Depending on where you reside, you may not need winter tires. For example, if you see palm trees outside your window, you’re probably okay. Further information is needed.

2. Do you drive in the winter?

YES – You need winter tires.
NO – You may not need winter tires. However, please ensure you have access to safe transportation, and if you carpool or depend on another driver for a ride, insist their car is equipped with winter tires. If possible, pitch in to help with the purchase price – consider it an investment in your safety.
Now, you’ll notice that I didn’t ask if you drive in “snow”; rather, I inquired if you drive in the winter. That’s because I wanted to address one of the biggest misconceptions about winter tires: that they’re only needed once snow begins to fall. Not true! In fact, they’re essential when the temperature consistently falls below 0⁰ Celsius or freezing, which is likely to happen at some point during winter across the country.   …

The Truth About Worn Tires

May 28, 2018 By Lena 12 Comments

Have you ever thought about the quality of your worn tires? It’s time to start.

Recently, my friend Jaime Damak of Je Suis Une Maman flew to Greenville, South Carolina to spend a day at Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds. There, she had a chance to test drive cars that were equipped with different tires, and learn more about worn tire performance. Here’s what she had to say about the experience!
In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not the one who buys or takes care of tires in my household. Normally, I would just tell my husband to find the best deal! Sigh. But after spending the day with Michelin Canada, driving and testing different tires in both new and worn conditions, I’ve done a complete 180. …

How Winter Tires Change You

March 9, 2017 By Lena 21 Comments

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.
_DSC1491 (2) 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. …

Stay Safe, Friends: Winter Driving Tips from Michelin Canada

February 6, 2017 By Lena 19 Comments

You know how some memories from your childhood just stick with you? I was 11 years old, in grade five. We had just returned from Christmas break and a fellow classmate, Tommy something-or-the-other, was recounting a horrifying ordeal while vacationing in Florida.

“It SNOWED!” he said in disbelief. “And there were accidents EVERYWHERE because my dad said that no one in Florida knows how to drive in the snow! We were stuck on the Interstate for SIX hours!”

At the time, I recall being quite pleased – I loathed Tommy and was secretly happy that his vacation was at least partially ruined by Mother Nature. Of course, at 11 years old, I couldn’t process that the numerous accidents could have resulted in injuries, extra costs in time and insurance, or both. But one thing did stick with me, even after more than two decades: If you don’t know how to drive in winter road conditions, you’re in trouble.

Today, I’m pleased to share some winter driving tips from Michelin driving expert, Carl Nadeau, to help you stay safe on roads this season. …

Questions About Winter Tires? I Have Answers.

January 25, 2017 By Lena 24 Comments

“Are you sure we need winter tires this year?” my mom asked. “We’re retired. We don’t have to venture out when it snows. We can just stay indoors.”

“My all-season tires are brand new!” my friend lamented. “The tread is fine, trust me.”

“There’s no way I can afford winter tires,” another friend confided. “With the cost of gas, insurance and car payments, I can hardly afford to drive!”

Sound familiar? You may even see your own situation in the answers above. And so rather than lecture you (I’d never do that!) on the importance of winter tires, I’m just here to answer your questions.
20170114_100609a “Are you sure we need winter tires, even if we don’t venture out?”

You probably don’t need winter tires if you *never* have to leave your house when it snows, like, ever. (Frankly, even that is a misconception – winter tires actually begin to work their magic the minute the temperature falls below 7° Celsius.) But what about when you’re already out and it begins to snow? Freshly fallen snow on the roads – before the salt trucks can do their thing – can present dangerous driving hazards. So unless you’re a meteorologist (or are obsessive about checking your local weather channel), chances are you may be faced with inclement driving conditions.

And, do you ever have to leave to pick up a child or grandchild? Go to the doctor or the hospital? Run out for a bag of sugar? You know, those things you don’t plan for, but necessitate leaving the house? Yeah, that happens to me too, which is why I’d rather have the added safety of winter tires. …

This Winter, What are You Willing to Risk?

December 29, 2016 By Lena 30 Comments

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?
15306597_1066604200118142_1272488536519475200_n 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. …