"At CanadaWheels, we believe that every Canadian driver deserves the safest possible driving experience, and tires play an essential role in making that happen. The data is clear—winter tires save lives, and as the leading online retailer of wheels and tires, we're committed to promoting their adoption. With the success seen in the province of Quebec, we see a national mandate as the next logical step in enhancing road safety across the country." says Saleh Taebi, Founder & CEO of CanadaWheels.
The evidence is clear: winter tires significantly reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Quebec, a pioneer in winter tire safety, has seen a 40% decrease in winter-related vehicular fatalities since implementing mandatory winter tire legislation in 2008, according to reports from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This successful regulation sets a powerful precedent for the rest of Canada. British Columbia has also adopted mandatory winter tire policies on key highways, and Manitoba offers low-interest financing to encourage winter tire purchases, resulting in a 6% reduction in collision claims, according to Manitoba Public Insurance.
Ernest Bedia, CEO of Pirelli Tire Canada, a global leader in tire technology, emphasizes the benefits of such regulations, stating, "Pirelli has long recognized the critical role that winter tires play in ensuring safe driving conditions. The successful implementation of mandatory winter tire policies in a few provinces of Canada has not only reduced accidents but also raised awareness about the necessity of using the right tires for the right season." This underscores the argument for a national mandate to ensure safety on Canada's winter roads.
Ontario, characterized by unpredictable winters and heavily trafficked urban regions, presents a compelling case for increased winter tire adoption. The discussion also extends to other provinces, each with distinct climatic and geographical considerations. While British Columbia already mandates winter tires on specific highways, provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan, known for their icy roadways and severe winter conditions, should also consider the implementation of mandatory winter tire regulations.
The positive impact of mandatory winter tire regulations is not limited to Canada. Finland, Germany, and Sweden have all seen significant reductions in winter-related accidents due to such policies. These international examples reinforce the potential benefits of expanding winter tire mandates across Canada.
Winter tires are not just an option; they are a necessity. Their specialized rubber compounds remain flexible in temperatures below 7°C, providing superior grip and control on icy and snowy surfaces. The Automobile Protection Association confirms that all-season tires lose elasticity in cold weather, reducing their ability to maintain traction.
Charles Holtmann, Managing Director of Continental Tire Canada, elaborates on the performance of winter tires in Canadian Conditions, "Winter tires are specifically engineered to handle the challenges of Canada's cold weather, snow, and ice. Their advanced tread patterns not only improve grip on slippery surfaces but also channel away slush to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Combined with rubber compounds that stay flexible in freezing temperatures, these tires provide exceptional braking performance and control."
As reported by Consumer Reports, winter tires have proven to stop an average of 6 feet (25%) quicker than all-season tires on ice. This improved stopping distance can make a critical difference in preventing collisions, particularly in regions prone to severe winter weather.
Ernest Bedia, CEO of Pirelli Tire Canada further explains, "While many drivers believe the need for winter tires is based on precipitation and the ability to maneuver in the snow, in reality, temperature is the most important deciding factor. The rubber in tires is formulated with specific compounds to perform well in different conditions. Winter tires use different rubber formulations that stay soft below 7°C to improve their ability to maintain grip on a cold road surface – wet or dry."
Choosing the right winter tire requires careful consideration of local climate, tire composition, and tread patterns. Leading options like Michelin X-ICE Snow, Pirelli P-Zero Winter, Continental VikingContact 7, Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 and Goodyear WinterCommand Ultra are engineered for extreme cold, featuring intricate tread designs to optimize snow and ice traction.
The data is clear, and the time for change is now. A Canada-wide winter tire mandate will save lives. We encourage all Canadians, along with provincial and federal leaders, to support this initiative. By taking this step, we can work together to reduce accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.
At CanadaWheels, safety is our top priority. As a leading online retailer of wheels and tires, we are committed to promoting the use of winter tires and advocating for broader regulations. By educating the public and providing access to high-quality winter tires, we aim to contribute to the national conversation about road safety.
About CanadaWheels
Founded in 2012, CanadaWheels is the number one online retailer of automotive wheels, tires, and parts in Canada. Its mission is to revolutionize the automotive online shopping experience by innovating, educating, and bringing transparency to the automotive industry. Headquartered in Ottawa, their award-winning platform has served hundreds of thousands of clients nationally and internationally. CanadaWheels, in the future, plans to further innovate its current e-commerce platform through the integration of AI and will be launching its American domain, USAwheels.com.
CanadaWheels is always proud to put customers at the center of all its activities and assist them through a professional team of customer support staff. Their lines are open during business hours to answer any client questions such as vehicle modifications or best buying options. Shoppers can get in touch with their sales specialists at 1•800•453•4484 or [email protected].
SOURCE CanadaWheels Inc
For any media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
Share this article