Toronto, Ontario – A new online brochure is available for Canadian drivers, giving the facts about winter driving and the advantages of winter tires.

The brochure is available at the tire industry’s tire education Web site, Be Tire Smart.

Recent advances in winter tire technology offer motorists significant advantages, not just on snow or ice, but on cold dry road surfaces as well. Rubber stiffens as temperatures get colder, reducing traction capability, but modern winter tire rubber compounds keep their elasticity, even at temperates as low as minus 30C or below. This provides traction and performance in all winter road conditions superior to that provided by all-season or conventional summer tires.

“The idea that winter tires are only for snow- or ice-covered roads is old-fashioned thinking,” said Glenn Maidment, president of the Rubber Association of Canada, which represents Canada’s tire makers. “Drivers should think of winter tires as ‘cold weather’ tires that offer superior traction, braking and cornering in every winter driving condition, including dry surfaces. The surface grip advantage offered by winter tires becomes evident when temperatures fall below seven degrees Celsius. When you can see your breath, it’s time for winter tires.”

Motorists should use winter tires all wheel positions, as using them only on the front or rear axles can create a serious traction imbalance that can lead to loss of control, particularly when cornering. When shopping for winter tires, look for the “three peak mountain snowflake” on the sidewall. Only tires stamped with this symbol meet or exceed specific snow traction requirements established by the tire industry.