What's in a Name? Choosing the Right Tires to Drive you Through Canadian Winters

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Tread patterns of summer, all season and winter tires. Image courtesy of discount tire.

Now that it’s the first week of November, many Canadians are starting to think about putting winter tires on their vehicles. There have been pockets of unseasonable warmth across the country in October and the start of November, the inevitable chill of winter is in the air, and many have already seen snow fall.

While winter tires are recommended throughout the country, they are mandatory in Quebec from December 1st to March 15th, and from October 1st to April 30th on certain British Columbia highways. Additionally, studded tires are allowed almost nationwide, with the exception of residents of Southern Ontario.

Insurance companies across the country offer discounts for installing winter tires as an incentive to encourage drivers to reduce the risk of accidents. So what makes winter tires that much better in the cold and snow than summer tires and where do all season and all weather tires fit into the mix?

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With the right tools, it can be pretty easy to change your own tires!

Summer Tires

Summer tires are designed to handle both wet and dry road conditions with their wide tread and soft rubber. These tires also usually have deeper grooves that improve traction on wet roads and reduce hydroplaning, making them ideal for the wet spring and summer months.

Winter Tires

Like their name suggests, winter tires have been designed for winter roads. They are made with rubber that stays flexible at temperatures below 7°C (45°F), the magic number at which other tires become stiff and lose traction, greatly reducing their performance. Furthermore, winter tires have different tread patterns that are meant to divert water and slush to the sides, as well as little slits called sipes that increase the overall grip of the tires and helping them maintain contact with icy road surfaces. Over the past several years, tire manufacturers have started to include additional small particles, like crushed glass or walnut shells, that act as little studs on the surface of the tire for extra grip.

Performance of All Season Tires vs Winter Tires with decreasing temperatures. Image courtesy of Discount Tire.

All Season & All Weather Tires

Some people argue that winter tires aren’t necessary if they have all season tires on their vehicle. Unfortunately, this is a slight misnomer because while these tires can handle a bit of cold and snow, they fail to handle heavier snowfalls that are common in Canadian winters. All season tires, unfortunately, sacrifice traction in wet conditions that would be found in summer tires and some of the flexibility and grip seen with winter tires in order for the tread to last longer. Realistically, these should be called 3 season tires as opposed to all season. So while they’re not the best option for winter driving in Canada, all season tires are definitely a better choice than regular summer tires.

All weather tires, not to be confused with all season tires, are a true year-round tire designed to handle Canadian winters. Unlike all season tires, these tires remain soft and flexible well below 7°C. The tread pattern on all weather tires is a combination of all season and winter tires, making them better suited for driving through heavier snow than all season tires. While they still don’t match the performance of a true winter tire, all weather tires are the best option for those who don’t want the hassle of swapping out their tires twice per year or simply do not have the space to store an extra set. Their versatility truly makes all weather tires a middle of the road tire (pun intended) for Canadian drivers.

The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol found on winter and all weather tires. Image courtesy of Canadian tire.

When looking for tires to get you through the winter, it is recommended to chose either a proper winter tire or an all weather tire, so long as it has the three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall. This is an industry standard symbol which indicates that the tire meets strict regulations for winter performance; becoming mandatory on all winter tires beginning in 2018, transitioning away from just using the M+S (Mud and Snow) designation.

Further Reading

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/how-to/automotive/how-to-choose-winter-tires.html

https://www.continental-tires.com/ca/en/tire-knowledge/winter-tire-laws-in-canada/

https://www.continental-tires.com/ca/en/tire-knowledge/winter-tire-markings/

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tires-below-45

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/winter-summer-allseason

Note: The author formerly received payments from “Big Tire” however, this article was not funded.

Spooky Snow May Make an Appearance in Parts of Ontario to Kick Off Halloween Week

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The month of October has mostly brought calm and mild conditions to Ontario, with temperatures occasionally climbing above seasonal averages and minimal precipitation. But as we approach the final days leading up to Halloween, colder air is making a return, setting the stage for a possible wintry “trick” in parts of the region.

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This past week, temperatures in some areas reached the upper teens and even low 20s, but now a noticeable chill has settled in. Many spots across Southern and Northern Ontario are already experiencing single-digit highs as the warm air retreats.

As the weekend progresses, the cold will only deepen, with Sunday morning expected to bring temperatures near or just below freezing across the province. Afternoon highs will provide little relief, as most places in Central and Eastern Ontario will likely struggle to rise out of the single digits.

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A Weak Weather System and a Chance of Snow

PRECIPITATION TYPE FOR SUNDAY EVENING - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

On Sunday, a weak weather system will begin to make its way into Northeastern Ontario and eventually move toward Central Ontario by the afternoon. This will likely bring some light rain showers to areas like Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, and Muskoka. As colder air continues to push southward after sunset, temperatures will drop quickly, setting the stage for a possible transition from rain to wet snow in the evening.

While surface temperatures are expected to stay just above freezing until after midnight, colder air moving in aloft may allow the rain to change to snow as the night progresses. Precipitation will gradually spread southeastward, reaching Bancroft, Kingston, and possibly the Ottawa area.

There is some uncertainty about whether Ottawa itself will see any snowflakes, as models suggest that a dry air pocket may limit snowfall, keeping the bulk of moisture just to the south.

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Potential for Accumulation and a Hard Freeze

ESTIMATED MINIMUM TEMPERATURE ON MONDAY MORNING - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

Temperatures will continue to drop overnight, leading to what is referred to as a “hard freeze” in areas like Sudbury, North Bay, Algonquin Park, and the Ottawa Valley. During a hard freeze, temperatures remain several degrees below freezing for extended periods, which could kill sensitive plants.

The drop in temperature may also allow for some light snow accumulation, with a dusting of 2-3 cm possible by Monday morning in some areas. Though not a significant amount, it could be enough to create slippery conditions on roads, making for a potentially slow and hazardous Monday morning commute.

Light flurries may linger across parts of Central and Eastern Ontario into late Monday morning, gradually tapering off around noon. With temperatures hovering close to the freezing mark throughout the day, any snow that does manage to accumulate will likely melt slowly. Motorists should remain cautious, as wet or slushy conditions could persist longer than usual.

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Midweek Warm-Up on the Horizon

ESTIMATED DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE ON WEDNESDAY - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

For those hoping for a break from the cold, a warm-up is expected by midweek. By Tuesday, daytime highs in parts of Southwestern Ontario could rebound into the low to mid-20s, with the warmer air spreading to Central and Eastern Ontario by Wednesday.

However, the return of milder weather may be accompanied by some wet conditions. A fast-moving weather system is forecast to pass through Southern Ontario on Tuesday, bringing the potential for 15-30 mm of rainfall across Central and Eastern Ontario between late Tuesday and Wednesday.

While the exact track remains uncertain, some models suggest the rain may shift further north, potentially impacting the area differently than initially expected.

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What’s in Store for Halloween?

ESTIMATED TEMPERATURE FOR HALLOWEEN AT 8 PM - MAP FROM WEATHERBELL

With Halloween fast approaching, many Ontarians are wondering what the weather will be like for Trick-or-Treating. As of now, forecasts indicate a chance of widespread rain across much of Southern Ontario during the afternoon, possibly lingering into the evening. Afternoon temperatures are expected to start in the mid to upper teens, but a cooling trend may bring them down to the low teens or even upper single digits by the time Trick-or-Treaters hit the streets.

There is still some disagreement among models regarding the exact timing of the rain. While it seems the heaviest precipitation may fall earlier in the day, there is a chance that skies could clear in time for the evening festivities, especially in Southwestern Ontario. Meanwhile, Eastern Ontario may be among the last regions to see any potential clearing.

Stay tuned as more details emerge in the days leading up to Halloween, and be prepared for whatever weather “tricks” or “treats” may come your way!

Snowy Surprise: Parts of Ontario & Quebec Could See Season’s First Snowflakes This Weekend

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As we enter the first full weekend of meteorological fall, Mother Nature is set to deliver a taste of autumn across Ontario and Quebec. A brief blast of cold air will cause temperatures to drop near the freezing mark during the pre-dawn hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Precipitation currently affecting Southern Ontario is expected to linger throughout the weekend. The heaviest rainfall totals are expected overnight Friday into early Saturday in Eastern Ontario, with localized amounts of 20-40 mm of rain possible.

The bigger story is when that precipitation wraps around into Western Quebec and Northeastern Ontario later on Saturday, continuing into the early morning hours of Sunday. With temperatures cooling into the low single digits and even colder air aloft, some of that precipitation may fall as wet snow.

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It appears that locations like Timmins, Cochrane, Kirkland Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Deep River, and Algonquin Park in Ontario could see their first snowflakes of the season. In Quebec, areas such as Ville-Marie, Rouyn-Noranda, Amos, and Val-d'Or may also experience wet snow.

While it's unlikely that snow will accumulate, as it will be mixed with rain and ground surfaces are still too warm, there's a chance that colder-than-expected conditions could lead to a few slushy centimetres in some areas. Any accumulation will melt quickly after sunrise on Sunday as temperatures gradually rise.

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Speaking of Sunday morning, this is when the coldest air of this brief "cold snap" is expected across Ontario and Quebec. Morning lows will likely drop into the single digits across much of Northern and Southern Ontario and Quebec. In Northeastern Ontario and the Algonquin Park region, temperatures could dip to near freezing during the pre-dawn hours, increasing the risk of frost in addition to the potential for wet snow.

Further south, the coldest temperatures in Southern Ontario will be in the higher elevations of Central Ontario, east of Muskoka, where temperatures may plunge to around 2-5°C. It will be moderately warmer in Southwestern Ontario, the Golden Horseshoe, and Eastern Ontario, with morning lows ranging from 5-10°C. Those along the shorelines of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay will benefit from the warmer lake waters, keeping temperatures above 10°C.

In Quebec, expect low to mid-single-digit temperatures in the western portion of the province near the Ontario border on Sunday morning. Eastern Quebec, including Montréal and Québec City, will see lows in the upper single digits, ranging from 6-12°C.

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WATERSPOUT RISK FOR GREAT LAKES ON SATURDAY MORNING (SORUCE: ICWR)

This cold air will also contribute to a potential waterspout outbreak over the Great Lakes this weekend. The highest risk is on Saturday, especially in the morning and afternoon, with a focus on Southern Lake Huron and Western Lake Erie. Waterspouts are also possible over Southern Georgian Bay, Western Lake Ontario, and even Lake Simcoe.

While waterspouts rarely threaten land, they can be hazardous for those on the water. In rare cases, waterspouts can come ashore, causing minor damage along the immediate shoreline.

The waterspout risk will persist into Sunday, with a focus on Eastern Lake Ontario.

Looking ahead to next week, warmer weather is expected to return to Ontario and Quebec. By late in the week, temperatures could climb back near the 30°C mark in Southern Ontario. So, while this brief taste of fall may be shocking, it looks like summer isn't quite finished yet.