TireTalk

Winter tires are a must in Ottawa. As a city prone to extreme winter weather, there is no smarter option than to install winter tires on your vehicle. While all-season tires are effective in spring, summer, and autumn, they fall short in an Ottawa winter. Unlike all-season or summer tires, winter tires are engineered to perform in temperatures of 7 degrees Celsius or below. This allows them to provide the best possible traction, grip, cornering, steering, and handling in all kinds of harsh winter weather. Even if you regularly drive on plowed roads in Ottawa, winter tires are still a safer bet than all-season tires which become stiff and rigid in sub-zero temperatures. One of the smartest decisions you can make as an Ottawa driver is to invest in a quality set of winter tires.

WINTER TIRES FEATURES

Winter tires have several unique design features that allow them to excel in winter weather. Specifically, winter tires are made of a soft rubber compound that maintains flexibility, even in sub-zero temperatures. Additionally, they have blocky treads with high-density siping, biting edges, and deep grooves, which enables them to dispel slush and water from the contact patch so that the tire can grip the road effectively. These features ultimately make driving with winter tires a far safer, more stable, and more comfortable experience.

ARE WINTER TIRES REQUIRED IN OTTAWA?

Nowhere in Ontario are winter tires legally mandated, and that includes Ottawa. However, just because winter tires aren’t required doesn’t mean they aren’t encouraged. The provincial government encourages all drivers to invest in snow tires owing to the cold winters that Ontario experiences. In fact, some insurance companies even offer discounts to drivers who install winter tires on their vehicles, so it’s worth considering for this reason alone. Further, it must be noted that while Ontario does not have a winter tire mandate in effect, the neighbouring province of Quebec does. Thus, if you’re an Ottawa resident who drives to Gatineau or other parts of Quebec frequently, then you must install winter tires or risk a fine. In Quebec, winter tires must be installed on all vehicles between December 1st and March 15th.

Are studded tires legal in Ottawa?

Studded tires are allowed on vehicles registered in Northern Ontario, but prohibited in Southern Ontario. Out-of-province visitors and Northern Ontario residents are exempt. 

WINTER TIRE BRANDS

As you might expect, winter tires are not difficult to come by in Ottawa. Since they are one of the most popular types of tires among Ottawa drivers, you should have no problem finding a set to suit the exact make and model of your vehicle. The trouble will be deciding which winter tire is best for you, and that’s where Tire Warehouse comes in. Not only do we offer an unparalleled winter tire inventory, but we have a team of tire experts at the ready to help you make this important decision. From premium winter tires like the Bridgestone Blizzak series and the Michelin X-Ice series to more budget-friendly winter tires like Firestone’s Winterforce line, Tire Warehouse can help you choose the best tires to suit your unique vehicle and budget.

SHOP WINTER TIRES AT TIRE WAREHOUSE

Shop for winter tires at Tire Warehouse. As the #1 tire provider in Canada, we have an impressive inventory of winter tires for you to choose from. Though we’re headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, we ship tires all across Canada, including to Ottawa. Plus, our website makes shopping for tires online simpler than you ever thought possible. Visit our website, browse our winter tires by tire size or vehicle type, choose your preferred tires, and check out. From there, your new tires will be delivered in just 2 to 4 business days, and shipping costs just $5 per tire. We even offer a mobile installation service to make your experience that much more convenient. Contact us today to learn more about our winter tire offerings.