Snow has arrived in the Lower Mainland once again! Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are an important part of getting your vehicle ready for the coldest season of the year. The rubber used in typical all-season or summer tires hardens in cold weather, reducing grip and traction.
It’s no secret that Langley and most of Metro Vancouver avoid the worst of Canadian winters, but that doesn’t mean winter tires aren’t helpful in our climate. Not only do winter tires provide better traction and performance on days with snow or ice, they are also helpful on cold days in general as the rubber used in winter tires stays soft at low temperatures. Did you know that when the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, your vehicle is safer with winter tires? Winter tires are designed for increased traction in any cold weather.
If you’re heading to the British Columbia interior or Vancouver Island, it’s also important to remember many highways require you to use winter tires. At a minimum, your tires need to have the snowflake symbol on them for most highways outside the Lower Mainland and Southeastern Vancouver Island. These restrictions are in place from the start of October to either the end of March or end of April, depending on the highway. Winter tires feature the snowflake symbol as do many all-weather and mud/snow tires.
In addition to winter tires, there are other steps you can take to ensure safe driving in winter. Drive for the conditions and make sure your vehicle’s trunk is equipped with a snow scraper and shovel. An emergency kit, extra clothing, and food supplies are also helpful, particularly for longer trips outside the city.
Looking for winter tires? Our team is here to help every step of the way, from tire selection to installation to maintenance. Click here to visit our tire finder tool, and click here to book a service appointment.