Buy winter tires now to beat the rush in Quebec

Winter is fast approaching and motorists across Canada will no doubt be preparing their vehicles for the nasty weather ahead.

I'm being facetious.

If there's one consistent mode of behaviour I've witnessed among car owners over the past 25 years, it's procrastination. Most usually wait until the first big snowfall of the season before they give any consideration to preparing their vehicle for winter.

If this winter is anything like last year – and some weather experts predict it will be – then motorists should be doing everything they can to ensure their cars are ready to handle harsh weather and hazardous driving conditions.

By far, the most important part in preparing a car for winter is choosing the right tires. I can't stress enough how critical it is to have the correct tires installed on your vehicle once the snow flies – it's a matter of safety for yourself and for your fellow motorists.

I strongly recommend installing winter tires on your vehicle now, rather than later.

In Quebec, new legislation requires all passenger cars in that province be equipped with winter tires by Nov. 15. This has led some industry watchers to predict a shortage of winter tires in other parts of Canada.

Industry sources tell me tire shortages across Canada this winter are a real possibility. Like any other product, it's all based on supply and demand. To play it safe, consumers would be wise to buy winter tires today, while supplies are healthy.

Winter tires have been proven to perform better in cold weather. They have better traction at lower temperatures. The tread surface allows them to manoeuvre more effectively on slippery roads.

Some drivers think all-season tires are adequate for winter driving.

That's not true.

Three years ago, John Mahler, the Toronto Star's tire expert and advice columnist, conducted a test between all-season and winter tires, and concluded that huge differences exist between the two.

A test car with winter tires, travelling at 23 km/h, stopped 1.5 metres shorter than an identical car equipped with all-season tires. The article concluded that winter tires delivered 25 per cent more traction than all-seasons.

Old arguments about how all-wheel-drive and electronic stability control features are just as effective as snow tires aren't valid, according to the Star's Mahler.

Electronic steering systems do not activate at low speeds (such as in parking lots), and AWD systems aren't good for cornering and stopping your vehicle.

In colder weather, winter tires win out over all-season tires as well. Today's winter tires deliver much safer (and more comfortable) rides and offer great traction on dry and wet roads.

If you want to discuss the right brand of tires for your vehicle, contact an authorized new-car dealership.

Service advisors are happy to discuss the various brands and will make recommendations.

New-car dealerships carry a wide selection of brand name tires for all types of cars and light-duty trucks.

The other thing worth doing in winter is learning to adjust your driving habits.

Some readers may scoff at this advice, but most automobile accidents are the result of driver error.

We've all seen drivers zoom past us during a blizzard and, a few kilometres down the road, that same vehicle has slid off the road or flipped onto its roof with the wheels spinning.

It's dangerous, it's reckless, and it doesn't need to happen. Wherever you're going this winter, please make a conscious effort to drive carefully. Arriving at your destination safely and late is better than not getting there at all.

This column represents the views of TADA. Email president@tada.ca

or visit tada.ca.