All-SEASON VS WINTER TIRES: Why You Need WinterTires in Canadian Winters .
About this episode
Exploring the critical differences between all-season and winter tires, Niall shares personal anecdotes and expert insights on why winter tires are essential for safety during Canadian winters. He emphasizes the dangers of using all-season tires in icy conditions, detailing how their rubber compounds harden and lose grip in cold temperatures. With humor and relatable stories, he encourages listeners to invest in proper winter tires to ensure control on the road and avoid costly accidents. Niall also touches on tire maintenance and the importance of choosing the right tires for winter driving.
Driving on all-season tires in a Canadian winter? That's like wearing flip-flops in a blizzard! In this episode, Motormouth breaks down why winter tires are a must for snow, ice, and real-world Canadian driving. Stay safe, stop sliding, and learn how to pick the right tires before your next winter adventure. Canadian winters are no joke -all-season tires can't handle icy roads the way winter tires can. On this episode of Car Connection, Motormouth explains the critical differences between all-season tires and winter tires, shares practical tips for choosing the right tire for your vehicle, and illustrates what can happen if you try to skate sideways through an intersection on the wrong tires. Listen now to learn the following tips;
Why aren't all-season tires safe in freezing conditions
How winter tires improve braking and handling on snow and ice
Tips for picking the right tire for your car.
Real-world Canadian winter driving stories with Motormouth's signature wit and charm
Don't risk your winter driving-equip your car properly and stay safe on the roads!
Learn why all-season tires don't cut it in Canadian winters. Motormouth explains how winter tires keep you safe, steady, and off the ice.
all-season tires
"All season tires in a Canadian winter, really? That's like wearing flip flops in a blizzard."
All-season tires are a type of tire that can be used in different weather conditions, like rain and light snow. They are not as effective as winter tires when driving in heavy snow or ice.
All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in a variety of weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light winter conditions. However, they do not provide the same level of performance as winter tires in severe winter weather.
winter tires
"Get proper winter tires, unless you want to star in your own skating routine entitled sideways through an intersection. Yeah, not funny."
Winter tires are special tires made for driving in cold weather, snow, and ice. They help your car grip the road better when it's slippery, making it safer to drive in winter conditions.
Winter tires are specifically designed for cold weather conditions, providing better traction and handling on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. They have a unique tread pattern and rubber composition that remains flexible in low temperatures, enhancing grip.
four wheel drive
"four wheel drive. I was running Goodyear Wranglers M&S, mud and snow."
Four wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car can get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather or rough terrain.
Four wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This enhances traction and control, especially in off-road or slippery conditions.
Jeep Wranglers
"four wheel drive. I was running Goodyear Wranglers M&S, mud and snow. That's what the M&S stand for."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, boxy vehicle made for driving on rough roads and trails. People like it because it can go almost anywhere, especially when equipped with special tires for mud and snow.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its exceptional off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its versatility in various terrains, especially with features like four-wheel drive and specialized tires like the Goodyear Wranglers.
Goodyear Wranglers M&S
"I was running Goodyear Wranglers M&S, mud and snow. That's what the M&S stand for."
Goodyear Wranglers M&S are special tires made for driving on mud and snow. They help cars get better traction when the roads are slippery.
Goodyear Wranglers M&S are a type of all-terrain tire designed for off-road and winter conditions. The 'M&S' stands for 'Mud and Snow', indicating the tire's capability to perform in these specific conditions.
Chevrolet Spin
"... the drift and went totally sideways and began to spin around 360 degrees. He said, after the second spi..."
The Chevrolet Spin is a family-friendly car that has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's designed for everyday use and is good for city driving.
The Chevrolet Spin is a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) designed primarily for family use and urban driving. It offers a spacious interior and is often discussed for its practicality, though it may not be as well-known as other models in the Chevrolet lineup.
black ice
"...but with a momentum on the black ice put you into another spin..."
Black ice is a type of ice that you can't see on the road. It makes the road very slippery and can cause cars to slide around, which is dangerous.
Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms on roadways, making it extremely slippery and difficult to see. It often occurs in cold weather conditions and can lead to dangerous driving situations.
gripability
"You've lost a majority of your gripability on the road surface. Let's take that temperature down to zero, 32 Fahrenheit, freezing temperature."
Gripability is how well your tires can hold onto the road. If it's low, your car can slide or lose control easily, especially on slippery surfaces.
Gripability refers to the ability of a tire to maintain traction with the road surface. This is crucial for vehicle control, especially in adverse conditions like ice or rain.
icy patch
"So if you hit an icy patch, a lightly icy patch, a frosted over patch, or an overpass, you're gone right up into the wall."
An icy patch is a part of the road that's frozen and slippery. Driving on it can make your car slide and hard to control.
An icy patch refers to a section of the road that is covered with ice, which significantly reduces traction and increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
NASCAR
"That's where you're going. That car's just going to, you're going to get in that corner, and if you watch NASCAR when a tire cuts down and they're on a turn, where does the car go?"
NASCAR is a type of car racing that happens on circular tracks. It's known for fast cars and exciting races, where drivers compete to finish first.
NASCAR is a popular motorsport in the United States known for its stock car racing on oval tracks. It features high-speed racing and is famous for its close competition and dramatic crashes.
tread design
"Well, the other strike against an all-season tire is the tread design. The tread design on an all-season tire does not have enough siping."
Tread design is the pattern on the surface of a tire that helps it grip the road. Different patterns can make the tire better for different weather conditions.
Tread design refers to the pattern and structure of the grooves and channels on a tire's surface, which affects its performance in various conditions. Different designs can optimize traction, handling, and water displacement.
siping
"The tread design on an all-season tire does not have enough siping. Those are bands cut out on the sidewall, on the edge of the tire, close to the sidewalls."
Siping is when small cuts are made in the tire's tread to help it grip the road better, especially when it's wet or icy. It makes the tire safer to drive on slippery surfaces.
Siping refers to the small slits or grooves cut into the tread of a tire to improve traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. These grooves help the tire grip the road better by allowing it to flex and conform to the surface.
grooves
"They look like grooves. Those are called sipes."
Grooves are the cuts in the tire that help it drain water and grip the road better. They are important for safety, especially when it's rainy.
Grooves are the channels or indentations in a tire's tread that help with water drainage and improve traction. They are essential for maintaining grip on wet surfaces.
summer tire
"You look at a summer tire, an all-season. You don't have an aggressive tread pattern, although there may be some."
Summer tires are made for warm weather and help cars handle better on dry and wet roads. They are not good for snow or ice.
Summer tires are designed for optimal performance in warm weather conditions, providing better handling and shorter stopping distances on dry and wet roads. They typically have a tread pattern that prioritizes grip and stability in higher temperatures.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
"... what I want to see. When people get behind my 07 FJ Cruiser with my winter tires on, they're monsters, the ti..."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a sturdy SUV that looks a bit like older models but has modern features. It's great for off-road driving and can handle tough winter conditions really well, especially with good tires.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV that combines retro styling with modern off-road performance. Known for its durability and capability in challenging conditions, it has become a favorite among adventure seekers and is often highlighted for its strong winter performance when equipped with appropriate tires.
rooster tail
"...they spit a really big rooster tail. Most people, I see them back off because it's just coming off the tire at the back..."
A rooster tail is the spray of snow or water that flies up behind a car when it drives fast, especially in wet or snowy conditions. It looks like a tail of a rooster and can be fun to see when driving.
A rooster tail refers to the spray of water, snow, or slush that is kicked up by the tires of a vehicle as it moves, particularly in wet or snowy conditions. It can be visually impressive and is often associated with off-road driving.
all-wheel drive
"...four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, sometimes it drives real-time all-wheel drive traction control. You are not infallible."
All-wheel drive means that a car can send power to all four wheels automatically. This helps the car stay stable and grip the road better, especially in bad weather.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability on various surfaces. Unlike four-wheel drive, which is often manually engaged, AWD is typically always active and adjusts power based on road conditions.
traction control
"...all-wheel drive, sometimes it drives real-time all-wheel drive traction control. You are not infallible."
Traction control is a system in cars that helps keep the wheels from spinning too much when you accelerate. It helps the car stay on the road better, especially when it's slippery.
Traction control is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration. It works by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels, ensuring that the vehicle maintains grip on slippery surfaces.
steering
"The car was a wreck, and the suspension and steering was big money."
Steering is how you control where the car goes. It includes the wheel you turn and the parts that make the wheels move left or right.
The steering system allows the driver to guide the vehicle's direction. It includes components like the steering wheel, rack and pinion, and linkages that connect to the wheels.
suspension
"The car was a wreck, and the suspension and steering was big money."
The suspension is what helps keep the car stable and comfortable while driving. It connects the car's body to the wheels and absorbs bumps in the road.
The suspension system of a car is crucial for handling and ride comfort. It includes components like springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect the vehicle to its wheels.
steel wheels
"Buy a quality set of winter tires and steel wheels to put those tires on, and put your good tires and rims away for the summer."
Steel wheels are strong wheels made of metal that are often used for winter tires. They are cheaper and can handle tough winter conditions better than some other types of wheels.
Steel wheels are made from steel and are typically more durable and less expensive than alloy wheels. They are often used in winter setups because they can withstand harsh conditions and are easier to repair if damaged.
salt brine
"Because you know what, the winter road salt and salt brine doesn't care what your tires are on."
Salt brine is a liquid made from salt and water that is sprayed on roads to stop ice from sticking. It can be bad for cars because it can cause rust.
Salt brine is a mixture of salt and water used to pre-treat roads before a snowstorm. It helps to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, but it can also accelerate corrosion on vehicles.
road salt
"Because you know what, the winter road salt and salt brine doesn't care what your tires are on."
Road salt is salt spread on roads in winter to help melt ice and snow. It can be harmful to cars because it can cause rust and damage to metal parts.
Road salt is commonly used to melt ice and snow on roadways during winter. It can cause corrosion on metal surfaces, including car rims, leading to damage if not properly cleaned off.
corrosion
"But I'll tell you, by the time springtime comes, that road brine, that salt, liquid salt is absolutely wicked on steel rims."
Corrosion is when metal gets damaged and breaks down over time, often because of water or salt. It can make parts of a car rust and weaken them.
Corrosion is the process by which metals deteriorate due to chemical reactions, often caused by moisture, salt, and other environmental factors. In vehicles, corrosion can lead to significant structural and aesthetic damage.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.