As the chilly weather begins and we start putting away our summertime gear another change happens: it’s time to switch to winter tires. If you live in certain provinces you’re legally required to do so. But even if you don’t it’s still a good idea.
“Winter tires provide much better traction than all-season tires in snow and on ice” says Tony Murtagh acting manager of media relations for CAA National. “They’re made of a different type of rubber compound that doesn’t harden as much in the cold so they have more biting edges. They also have deeper treads and more sipes which are tiny slits in the tread that help evacuate water and provide more contact with the road surface.”
Murtagh says the benefits of winter tires are especially evident when braking and cornering. “You can stop up to 25 per cent shorter on snow and up to 40 per cent shorter on ice with winter tires than you can with all-seasons” he says.
There are other benefits as well. Many insurance companies offer a discount on your premium if you switch to winter tires and some provinces offer a rebate.
“And if you get into an accident and it’s determined that you would have been able to avoid it if you’d been on winter tires you may not be held 100 per cent at fault” says Murtagh.
But even if you live in a province where winter tires aren’t mandatory and you don’t plan to take advantage of the insurance discounts Murtagh says the improved safety is reason enough to make the switch.
“If you’re in an accident the first thing your family is going to ask is ‘Were you on winter tires?’” he says. “It’s worth it for that peace of mind.”
So how do you know when it’s time to switch? Murtagh says it’s not just about the temperature. “It’s about a combination of things including the anticipated driving conditions” he says. “If there’s going to be snow on the ground and you know you’re going to be driving in it it’s time to switch.”
The general rule of thumb is to switch to winter tires when the temperature consistently drops below 7°C. But Murtagh says it’s not always that simple.
“If you know a cold snap is coming and the temperatures are going to dip below freezing for a few days you might want to switch earlier” he says. “It’s really about using your best judgment.”
If you’re unsure you can always consult your local tire dealer. And once you’ve made the switch be sure to check your tires regularly to ensure they’re properly inflated and have adequate tread.
“You should be checking your tires once a month” says Murtagh. “And if you’re going on a long trip it’s a good idea to have them checked before you go.”
Can I pass car inspection with a cracked windshield?
If the crack is smaller than a dollar bill then your vehicle will likely pass inspection.
Can I get my windshield repaired before my car inspection?
Yes you can get your windshield repaired before your car inspection.
What size crack needs to be repaired before my car inspection?
If the crack is smaller than a dollar bill then your vehicle will likely pass inspection.
Can I drive my car with a cracked windshield?
It is legal to drive your car with a cracked windshield but it is not recommended.
Is it expensive to repair a cracked windshield?
The cost of repairing a windshield depends on the size and severity of the crack.
Do I need to replace my windshield if it is cracked?
If the crack is smaller than a dollar bill then your vehicle will likely pass inspection.
How do I fix a cracked windshield?
You can fix a cracked windshield by using a windshield repair kit.
Can I prevent my windshield from cracking?
You can prevent your windshield from cracking by avoiding driving on rough roads and by not parking in direct sunlight.
How long does it take to fix a cracked windshield?
The time it takes to fix a windshield depends on the size and severity of the crack.
Can a cracked windshield shatter?
A cracked windshield can shatter if it is hit by a rock or other object.
What is the best way to fix a cracked windshield?
The best way to fix a cracked windshield is to replace it.
Is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?
It is not safe to drive with a cracked windshield because it can impair your vision and cause an accident.
What are the consequences of driving with a cracked windshield?
The consequences of driving with a cracked windshield can include a ticket a fine and points on your license.
How do I know if my windshield is cracked?
You can usually tell if your windshield is cracked by looking for a line or chip in the glass.
I think my windshield is cracked.
What should I do?
If you think your windshield is cracked you should take it to a mechanic or a glass repair shop to have it inspected.
