WINTER ALERT

Why Use Winter Tire?
A road is always less predictable in winter than in
hot weather. Whether it’s snowy, icy or just wet,
the surface always gives relatively less grip than in
summer.

DESIGN:
• A winter tire reduces the risk of hydroplaning
because it's designed to displace the water passing
under it.

Why Use Winter Tire 2
ADHERENCE:
• A winter tire gives much better adherence and
excellent traction.
• A winter tire is made of special silica rubber
compounds.
REMEMBER that an icy road

• is twice as slippery as a snowy road,
• is four times more slippery than a wet

road or one that is covered with melting snow, and
• is eight times more slippery than a dry road.

Driving in Snow
• Be aware of your limits and those of other
drivers.
• Stay focussed on your surroundings.
• Don’t make any sudden movements, and avoid
accelerating too hard (acceleration should be
gradual and not heavy).
• Also avoid sudden braking and travelling at
high speeds.
• Leave more of a distance between your car and the one ahead.
• To decrease the risk of sliding when going uphill, use a higher gear ratio than you
would when travelling in dry weather.

Braking 1
• It is essential that you anticipate braking by
assessing the necessary braking distance and
then use engine braking alternately with the
brake pedal.
• Braking must be very gradual to stop the
wheels locking.
• If the wheels lock-up, the vehicle will slide
and go out of control. Wheels locking and the
car sliding: release the brake pedal to recove traction,
brake again, gradually, all the while using engine braking.

Braking 2
• To decrease the risk of the wheels
locking when going downhill, use a lower gear
ratio than you would when travelling in dry
weather.
• Before tackling a difficulty (major bend,
slowing down,etc) anticipate your braking so that
it is as gradual as possible, by using engine braking.

Pulling Away

• To avoid the risk of sliding when pulling
away on snow, it is essential to accelerate very
gradually.
• If the wheels slide, engage the next gear up
so as to decrease the force applied to the
wheels and be able to pull away cleanly.

Bends
• Before tackling a bend, slow down, but be
sure to do so in a straight line. To take a bend,
you need to steer with a constant, flowing
movement, to avoid the tire sliding and losing
response.
• In the bend, maintain a slow and regular speed,
to avoid the car becoming imbalanced.
• If the front looses steering control, you will
need to regain grip.
• To do that, reduce your speed by lifting your foot off the accelerator. If necessary,
press lightly on the brake without locking the wheels.

Winter Myths

Driving an SUV or CUV
Since my vehicle has 4WD (or AWD) that
delivers great traction power, I do not need
winter tires.

FALSE
These systems do provide optimized power
transmission delivery but provide minimal
assistance in transverse handling and braking
situations. Important weights combined with higher ground clearance are other factors
that affect negatively the stability and control of these vehicles. With the installation of
winter tires, the driver can feel optimized levels of traction during all maneuvers
including acceleration, braking and handling situations.

Electronic devices
With modern electronic systems such as ESC
(electronic stability control), TCS (traction
control systems), or ABS (antilock braking)
I do not require the use of winter tires.

FALSE
These advanced systems are designed for
vehicle stability, power transmission, and
controlled braking and alone are not substitutes for optimized traction grip during
all types of winter driving maneuvers including braking, acceleration, and handling.

Mild winter
I live in a moderate level of winter environment
where the temperatures are near freezing
most of the time, but snow and ice are
occasional. I feel my all-season tires are my best
choice.

FALSE
Although all-season tires can be used in a
moderate winter environment, winter tires provide the best cold weather
performance below 7°C (44°F).
This includes wet and dry in addition to snow/ice/slush surfaces where greater
tread flexibility leads to better grip.

Braking distance
The braking distance is the same whether my
vehicle is equipped with winter or all-season
tires.

FALSE
The braking distance of a winter tire compared
to an all-season tire, depending on speed and
road conditions, can be up to 10% shorter,
or two vehicle lengths.

Air pressure and
outside temperature
The outside temperature does not affect my
tires air pressure.

FALSE
Proper inflation is a critical part of tire care
and should be checked monthly.

In fact, for every 5°C (9°F) lost in temperature,
tires lose 7 kPa (1 psi) air pressures – so it’s especially important to check air
pressure after the first frost. Also, keep in mind that properly inflated tires ensure
optimum fuel efficiency and prevent irregular or premature wear.

Cost of an additional set
of winter tires.
Winter tires are more expensive.

FALSE
The cost of winter tires is generally equivalent
if not less than replacement tires on the vehicle.
Furthermore, over the life cycle of your vehicle,
you will need to purchase at least one extra
set of tires on average. Equipping the vehicle
with winter tires by the first winter season will represent the same cost at the end but will
optimize the performance in treacherous driving conditions with the benefit of added safety.