As the winter season rolls around, it brings colder temperatures, snow, and dangerous driving conditions; which raises the question, should drivers make the switch to winter tires?

Silvana Aceto, CAA South Central Ontario Media and PR Specialist, says although it is not mandatory, it is beneficial for drivers to install winter tires.

“We do recommend that drivers do install four matching winter tires,” said Aceto. “Your all season tires will start to loose their elasticity when the temperatures reach about seven degrees or below, and when the all seasons tires turn hard this means reduced traction and longer stopping distances.”

Since 2008, it has been mandatory for Quebec drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires between December 15 and March 15. The Province of Ontario has yet to enforce any winter tire laws.

Active Green and Ross Tire and Auto Centre Service Advisor Madison Doyle says winter tires can help prevent potential crashes.

“If you’re driving around with all season tires which have barely any tread on them you’re more likely to slip and slide all over the place,” said Doyle. “When you have winter tires they are made for [winter conditions].

According to Environment Canada, Ontario’s precipitation last winter was 26 per cent below normal, and the region’s average temperature was 3 °C above normal. Even though there was less snow than normal last winter, Doyle says winter tires should still be considered for this winter.

“When people hear snow tires, they think snow. Really snow has a big part of it but it’s also temperature that is one of the number one keys in having winter tires.”