Black ice, snow, and slush can create hazardous conditions for drivers during the notorious Canadian winter months. So much so that provinces like Quebec and British Columbia have introduced laws making the use of winter tires mandatory during the winter. This isn’t without good reason. When Quebec passed its law, winter tire usage rose from 96 per cent to 98 per cent—only 2 per cent—but statistics showed an impressive 5 per cent decrease in reported collision injuries that year. There’s no doubt winter tires are responsible for ensuring safety on roadways.
As an aspiring automotive professional, you may find yourself in the position of advising customers on whether or not to purchase winter tires. Read on to discover four important reasons why winter tires could be a good option for your future customers.
1. Pros With Automotive Training Know Winter Tires Aren’t a Compromise
There are many types of tires available on the market—from winter to all-season to all-weather tires—so automobile owners may find themselves confused about which one to buy.
What sets winter tires apart is that their functionality is not compromised. While all-season tires might advertise functionality for all seasons, often they are only moderately good for summer weather and moderately good for winter conditions. On the other hand, all of a winter tire’s functions are specifically designed to accommodate winter weather driving conditions. As a result, winter tires ensure the highest standard of safety for colder months.
2. Winter Tires Are Good For More than Just Snow and Ice
Winter tires aren’t only for when ice and snow hit (although they are great for both!). Even before the snow begins to fall, winter tires can help to improve safety. That’s because winter tires are designed to perform safely when temperatures drop below seven degrees Celsius. While all-season tires harden in the cold and lose their ability to grip, winters tires remain soft and malleable in the cold, leading to better traction to the road.
3. Pros With Automotive Training Recommend Winter Tires To Prevent Hydroplaning
Anyone who has driven a vehicle on wet roads knows that hydroplaning is a scary occurrence. As professionals with automotive training may know, hydroplaning is when a driver temporarily loses control of their vehicle while passing over liquid on the surface of the road. Most people think that only puddles are responsible for hydroplaning, but using all-season/weather tires on ice can also lead to hydroplaning.
Fortunately, winter tires have small crevasses and grooves on their surface. When these tires press against the ice and melt its top layer, the crevasses squeeze the liquid out from underneath the tire. This process reduces the chance of hydroplaning and allows the car to better grip the ice’s imperfections.
4. Grads of Automotive School May Know Statistics Show Winter Tires Improve Safety
Above all, the main reason for installing winter tires after graduating from automotive school is to keep drivers and passengers safe. Some clients may be skeptical about spending more money on their vehicle. However, a study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport found that vehicles with winter tires had a 25 per cent shorter stopping distance than those with all-season tires. By providing better traction, more control, and precise braking, winter tires offer a much smoother and safer ride.
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