As you peek out your window and notice the leaves falling and the sun covered by clouds, you realize that the warm summer weather has retired for the year. Fall has made its way in, and the arrival of winter is not far away. Ontario has the habit of unpredictable weather conditions, so it's important to be prepared for anything. Depending on the weather, road conditions can change and have an impact on driving. As winter approaches for residents of London, Ontario, Kitchener, Ontario, Waterloo, Ontario, and Woodstock, Ontario, it is critical to have your vehicle winter-ready. The most vital component of your vehicle is your tires, as they are the only part that comes into contact with the road below. By changing your tires from seasonal to winter, you ensure better traction, superior handling, and enhanced braking. At Stratford Hyundai, we recommend completing a tire change as the seasons change. Our service and parts centre is ready to assist you, and you can even schedule service appointments online for ease of use.

Winter Tire vs. Seasonal Tire

Winter and seasonal tires are engineered and designed for specific times. Winter tires utilize a rubber compound that can withstand colder temperatures more effectively than seasonal tires. The tread pattern on winter tires is more aggressive, designed to push snow away, and reduce the risk of snow being jammed in-between. This will provide you with greater traction and braking capabilities. Seasonal tires have increased grip and traction on wet and dry roads. They are also designed to withstand warmer temperatures and feature lower rolling resistance, resulting in a better fuel economy.

Tire Change vs Tire Swap

There are generally two options when going from seasonal to winter tires and back. Consumers can either complete a tire changeover or tire swap. For some, these two sound quite similar; however, there is a glaring difference. A tire changeover requires one set of wheels and two sets of tires, one seasonal and the other winter. This is initially the less expensive option; however, you will need to perform balancing and installation twice a year.

A tire swap is pretty straight forward. You have two sets of tires and wheels and just swap them over every season. Initially, the cost is slightly higher; however, it is far simpler and doesn't require as much labour over time.

When to Switch your Tires

The golden rule for when to switch over your tires depends on the temperature outside. Once the temperature is consistently under 7 degrees, winter tires should be installed, and once it moves about 7 degrees, seasonal tires need to be swapped. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.