Winter tires, when in optimal condition, effectively displace slush and snow, maintain grip on ice, and ensure safe braking and cornering on slippery roads. However, as the tread depth of these tires reduces over time, their performance diminishes. To determine when to replace your winter tires, regularly checking the tread depth is essential. This article explores how tire wear impacts safety and handling, the superiority of winter tires over all-season tires in snowy conditions, and methods to check tread depth using everyday items, emphasizing the convenience of mobile tire services.
How do you recognize worn winter tires?
As the tread wears down, the tires’ biting edges diminish, impacting their performance in snow and ice. It’s crucial to replace winter tires when they are about half worn for effective braking and cornering in winter conditions. Transport Canada advises against using tires with a tread depth less than 5/32” (4 millimeters) on snow-covered roads.
Tire manufacturers and laws in most provinces recommend replacing tires when tread depth reaches 4/32” in winter. Below this depth, tires are considered bald and pose a safety risk. Mobile tire services can easily assess and replace tires as needed. Use the following guide:
- Brand new – 12/32”
- 25 percent worn – 9.5/32”
- 50 percent worn – 7/32” (Replace tires using mobile tire services)
- 75 percent worn – 4.5/32”
- 100 percent worn – 2/32”
Performance comparison: winter and all-weather tires vs. 3-season tires
Winter tires, unlike 3-season (formerly all-season) tires, feature an aggressive tread pattern ideal for biting into snow and clearing slush. Their rubber compound remains soft in cold temperatures, ensuring a firm grip in weather below 7°C. This is where mobile tire services can assist in selecting and installing the right winter tires for enhanced safety.
Checking tread depth on your tires
Here are three straightforward methods to check tire tread depth, a process made even easier with the aid of mobile tire services:
- Using a Toonie
Insert a Toonie into the tread blocks. If the tread reaches the bear’s paws, the tires are likely new with ample tread. If the silver part is covered, the tires are about half worn. If only the letters are covered, it’s time to replace the tires, which mobile tire services can conveniently handle. - Using tire tread wear indicators
Most tires have built-in tread wear indicators (small raised bars) in the grooves, marking the minimum permissible tread depth. When these are worn, it’s time to contact a mobile tire service for replacements. - Using a tire tread depth gauge
Tire tread depth gauges, often available at gas stations, provide a quick and accurate measurement. Insert the gauge pin into the shallowest groove until it’s flush with the tire. Read the scale: a measurement between 7 and 12/32” indicates good tread depth, while anything less suggests the need for new winter tires, easily provided by mobile tire services.