Information about winter tires and winter driving

Information about winter tires and winter driving. The lower temperatures mean just one thing - winter is on its way. Snow tires are suggested when temperatures reach 7 C. Photo/NEWS CANADA

Every year, many Canadians try to determine if it's necessary to change their all-seasons over to winter tires. Outside of Quebec, where winter tires have become required by law, Canadians still have a choice, but one that could have a big impact on winter driving.

Some Canadians don't change their tires over because they don't understand the difference between winter and all-season tires. The following advice is courtesy of News Canada:

- Response to temperature: As soon as the temperature drops to 7 C, many non-winter tires begin to lose traction and therefore grip. Winter tires are typically made with a different rubber compound than all-season and summer tires, allowing them to remain softer during cold weather, which provides the flexibility that ultimately leads to excellent handling and traction, even in the absence of any snow or ice.

Studies have shown that at -14 C all-season tires lose up to 60 per cent of their grip compared to winter tires.

Unlike all-season tires, winter tires are made with special rubber compounds that stay soft even at low temperatures. A softer tire will stick to the road better, and give your vehicle more traction for optimal control. If you plan on doing a lot of driving in the winter months having the right winter tire will make a big difference.

For more information on how winter tires function, speak to your local tire dealer.

- Tread patterns: Winter tires also have tread patterns that are designed to dig deep into the snow and ice. These features are critical - not only to help prevent getting stuck in deep snow, but to help the driver stop, steer and manage driving on a variety of surfaces.

Winter Weather Tips

- Weather: Before departing, be sure to check the weather report for the entire length of your drive. If the weather looks like it might cause problems re-evaluate your travel plan. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. RoadSafetyFirst.com an online resource dedicated to safe driving, offers articles on a variety of topics related to road safety, a RSS feed with the latest news, road conditions and weather and tips for safe driving.

- Car: Take your car in to be serviced to ensure things like the battery, lights and brakes are functioning well. Inspect your car prior to departure to avoid unnecessary problems. For example, check the oil level, top up the anti-freeze and examine the spare tire. Make sure you have a winter safety kit that includes a blanket, flashlight, cellphone charger, emergency candle and matches, a snow shovel and brush, window scraper, booster cables, a blanket, non-perishable food, gravel, salt, kitty litter or a small piece of carpet and a tire gauge, jack and fully inflated spare.

- Tires: Properly inflated, high-quality winter tires will give you best traction on winter roads and can increase fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure often, especially before any highway driving.

Route: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to know your travel route. It might be advisable to check for accommodation on route ahead of time.

Time: Allow plenty of time when driving in winter weather as roads can be slower than usual. It is also recommended to drive only during daylight hours. If necessary, sleep overnight in a hotel. Safety comes first.

Games: Since road trips can sometimes be longer than usual due to the weather, plan car games for both children and adults. You can also make a travel play list of everyone's favourite songs or listen to an audio book.

Driving Tips

1. Keep your distance: Always leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Doing so will give you enough time to brake in a controlled manner and time to react in case of an emergency. Stay vigilant of road conditions and increase the space if you detect or suspect black ice. A general rule of thumb is that if there are icicles on your windshield wipers or frost on your side view mirrors, there is a good chance that there is black ice on the road.

2. Understand your brakes: If your car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), hit the brakes and let the system work for you, Your ABS will pump the brakes at timed intervals without locking your wheels, enabling you to stop safely. It's normal to feel pulsation in the brake pedal, that's the ABS working. A lot of people have a tendency to release the brakes as the ABS kicks in. Do not lift your foot until you come to a stop. If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS, pump your brakes to avoid locking your wheels.

3. It is also important to stay alert, slow down, and stay in control-the three key elements of safe winter driving. Drive according to highway and weather conditions, and keep an eye on your car's maintenance throughout the season. Be prepared and don't let winter ruin your road trips.

What type of winter driver are you?

Canadian winter driving brings challenges that often magnify the differences of people who use our roads.

On the ice and snow, cautious drivers can become almost paralyzed with indecision and confident drivers can become reckless.

Michelin recently conducted a survey to find out more about the different drivers on Canadian roads.

Canuck drivers can be broken down into five different types, each needing specific help when it comes to tackling winter roads in Canada. Here are some customized pointers for all types of drivers from the Michelin Winter Driving Academy.

Worrywarts lack confidence at the wheel and worry they are surrounded by drivers who are less cautious than they are. Worrywarts can sometimes get paralyzed and stop in the middle of an ice-covered hill or incline. Stopping in such a situation is never advisable as you may not have traction to begin moving again. Smooth, steady pressure on the gas to maintain forward motion is the key to conquering slippery inclines.

Daredevils love a thrill at the wheel and they don't believe that speeding causes accidents. They love their cars and generally look after them with care. Similarly, the Fast and Confident aren't afraid to drive fast, but they also like feeling in control when at the wheel.

They are not intimidated by winter driving, because they rarely get stressed at the wheel. Both of these types of drivers should remember in the winter to significantly increase their following distance and anticipate longer distance for braking to avoid losing control and causing an accident.

Cautious Pragmatists consider cars first and foremost as a method of transportation, a way to get from Point A to Point B. They are cautious at the wheel and follow the recommendations of their car manufacturer or mechanic for maintenance. These drivers will always ensure they have a fully prepared car with essential equipment for the winter.

There is more than one type of winter driver and there is more than one type of winter-driving tactic. All drivers should know their strengths and weaknesses so they can drive more safely in the treacherous winter months.

Other resources

- Visit www.insidetoronto.com/feature/article/625031 for an article about winter driving.

- At Michelin Winter Driving Academy (http://michelinman.ca/winter-tire), drivers can get safety tips and check out driving videos and animated demos that explain how to react while tackling hazardous winter conditions. The site was developed by Michelin with the help of Canadian motorsport ace and winter-driving expert Richard Spenard.

"One of the most common mistakes drivers make in winter conditions is not adjusting their speed to match the road conditions," Spenard said in a release. "Many drivers become excessively confident and don't realize how they need to adapt their driving to the environment around them, especially when facing such winter hazards as black ice and slush."

Regular ice and slush are formed from snow that falls, melts and freezes either partially (slush) or completely (ice) on the road.

Black ice forms directly on the surface of the road from moisture or exhaust particles in the surrounding air. It's slipperier than regular ice or frozen slush, and, because it's thin and transparent, the black road surface is visible through it.

Black ice forms even when the temperature is above zero celsius.

First tip: stay calm and drive slowly. Second tip: expect and be ready for changes in road conditions. The best idea is to test your vehicle's braking ability by tapping lightly on the brakes to check their reaction and the grip of your tires. That way, you'll be aware of the driving surface and won't be taken by surprise.

Drivers who are less confident in winter conditions should select a "safe" area to practice driving and test the level of control they have with their car. Find a low traffic area or a parking lot to test the conditions and work on your winter-driving skills.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills. You should ensure that your vehicle is well prepared for winter roads, which many drivers often forget.