Crestview Auto Service and the winter tire advantage in Saskatoon

Let's face it, most of us do not think about  our vehicles until we run into a problem....and that problem may be a major inconvenience at best; an accident at worst. Having your vehicle serviced by people that you trust is an absolute must.   Let our team of highly trained technicians at Crestview Auto Service work with you to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road. 

Crestview Auto Service are your Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and service Experts!

Winter tires are more than a gimmick when compared to all season tires. The two biggest differences being the rubber composition stays much softer and pliable from 7 degrees Celsius and colder and the tread pattern will have many small incisions in the tread pattern to allow the tire to squirm and stick to the icy road surface. 

All season tires have compromises built into them that limit traction as temperatures drop below 7 degrees C, on ice and in the snow.  The rubber compound is harder and tread patterns are more solid not allowing the tire to stick to the road surface, this gets worse the colder it gets and happens even if the road is dry. Any tire designated with the Snowflake on the sidewall is much better than an all season tire. But even in the winter tire market we have many differences in traction and longevity.  

Generally you will get what you pay for, the entry level, less expensive tires will have less flexibility and traction the colder it gets while the better winter tires remain flexible even in the deep cold we get on the prairies. When purchasing winter tires it is important to buy all 4 not just 2 for the driving wheels, the reason for this is the traction difference between summer and winter tires will have you out of control with the winter tires sticking to the road and the all season tires losing traction and sliding. 

Having 4 winter tires will have you sticking to the road when others around you are hitting the curb. Crestview Auto Service is here to help you choose the right tire for you needs and budget. Contact Kurt or Matt for all your tire needs. Call 306-244-6522 or email us at crestviewautoservice@sasktel.net

Drop in or give us a call at 24 - 23rd St E
Saskatoon, SK, 306-244-6522

Crestview Auto Service

“We’ll Keep Your Car Young a Long Time”

Winter and Tire Differences

Often at this time of year we are asked “why isn’t an all season tire or even a four-season tire [with the snowflake symbol on the tire] good enough for winter?” The difference is in the type of rubber and the design of the tread. The most common comment we hear from someone after having winter tires is “why did I wait so long to get them?”

All season tires are really only 3 season tires at best. The tread is designed for long life; because of this the tire does not have the lugs needed for good snow traction. Also the rubber used in the tread becomes hard and less flexible as the temperature starts dropping below 7 degrees Celsius, making the tire slip on ice and snow.  

Four season tires are a compromise and winter traction is sacrificed to get longer life out of the tire. They are really all season tires with a slightly more flexible rubber compound and a tread pattern that works ok in snow. Unfortunately, the tread compound is designed for long life making it only a bit better than all season tires on ice.

Winter stud-less tires are the best for most winter driving; they will have a very flexible tread that grabs the road for the best traction through the winter. Some winter tires have provisions for studs. These tires generally have a blockier tread pattern that is great in snow but the tire does not flex as much as a stud-less winter tire; these tires rely more on the studs for the added ice traction.  

At Crestview Auto Service, we can help you find the winter tire that is right for you. We recommend booking in late September/early October. Remember to book ahead of time. Appointments can be made online at www.crestviewautoservice.caor by phone (306) 244-6522. We look forward to helping you be prepared for winter driving. 

#winter #tires #tread #cold #snow #ice

(*Note: The picture with the two cars depicts braking distance at a speed of 50 km/hr).