Canada is well known for its cold weather. Heavy snow and ice can make for unsafe driving conditions if drivers aren’t prepared.
Ontario offers an incentive for drivers to prepare their vehicles for winter weather. Insurance providers across the province must offer a discount to drivers who meet their requirements for using winter tires.
Winter tires give drivers more control when roads are covered in snow and ice. They may also help you get lower car insurance rates in Ontario.
Why Are Winter Tires Important?
Ontario gets plenty of snow, ice and freezing rain, all of which can create dangerous road conditions. These conditions reduce your tires’ ability to get good traction and can result in skidding.
Winter tires provide better traction in cold weather, helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles.
How Much Do Winter Tires Reduce Insurance?
All insurance providers in Ontario must offer a winter-tire discount for private-passenger auto insurance. However, the amount of the discount varies by insurer.
Ask your insurer how much you will save, which dates the tires must be installed and what proof is required.
Are All-Season Tires Considered Winter Tires for Insurance?
Ordinary all-season tires generally don’t qualify for the winter-tire discount. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in cold temperatures and on snow-covered roads.
If you use all-weather tires with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, ask your insurer whether they qualify.
Tips for Using Winter Tires
Install Four Winter Tires
You should install winter tires in a set of four. This helps maintain controlled and balanced handling. Installing fewer than four can create an imbalance in traction.
Maintain the Right Tire Pressure
Keeping the correct tire pressure improves traction and helps your winter tires last longer. Check the pressure regularly because it can fall as the temperature drops.
Look for the Snowflake Symbol
Transport Canada recommends looking for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol when buying winter tires. Tires with this symbol are designed to meet specified snow-traction requirements.
What Is Considered a Winter Tire in Ontario?
Winter tires are specially designed for severe snow conditions. They can usually be identified by the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall.
Your insurance company may have its own qualifying dates and documentation requirements. Keep your invoice or installation record and confirm the rules with your insurer.
In Conclusion
Winter tires are designed to help drivers maintain control during the winter months. Installing qualifying tires can also secure a discount on your car insurance costs.
The discount varies between insurance companies, so ask how much you’ll save and what you need to do to qualify.