Hyundai Winter Tire Guide for Ontario Residents
Hyundai Winter Tire Guide for Ontario Residents
Posted on December 13, 2023
Winter's arrival in Ontario brings a unique set of challenges for Hyundai owners. Roads will soon be covered in ice and snow, ensuring your Hyundai's stability and grip becomes paramount, even for models with all-wheel drive. The most effective strategy against winter conditions is to equip your Hyundai with winter tires approved by the brand. This guide highlights the importance of winter tires while providing insights that will help you determine when to install your winter tires, and how to find the right winter tires for your Hyundai.
Why is it essential to use winter tires on your Hyundai?
While Ontario doesn't universally mandate winter tires, most Hyundai owners have come to appreciate their unmatched benefits in winter driving conditions. Even with the best traction systems, your tires are the only part of your Hyundai that touches the road. If they're too stiff or lack the necessary tread for snowy conditions, braking and handling can suffer. Winter tires tackle these issues, ensuring your Hyundai offers the same comfort, efficiency, and enjoyable drive that you're accustomed to, no matter the weather.
How do you choose the right winter tires for your Hyundai?
Selecting the best winter tires for your Hyundai involves understanding your driving habits and making sure you have the right tires for your specific Hyundai vehicle. For example, a Hyundai Elantra will have different tire specifications compared to a Hyundai Santa Fe or a Hyundai Ioniq 5. Our tire specialists can steer you towards a Hyundai-recommended winter tire that not only matches your vehicle’s specs but also enhances its winter performance. Additionally, consider where you drive most. Those who mainly drive within city limits or on highways might prefer a winter tire with excellent icy road performance that's also less noisy and more efficient on clear roads. On the other hand, those residing in more rural areas might need tires optimized for heavy snow.
When should you switch to winter tires on your Hyundai?
The best time to make the switch to winter tires isn't just before the first snowflakes fall but also as temperatures consistently begin to drop. Summer tires, especially the sporty ones, start losing their grip below 7°C. Considering that we are seeing these lower temperatures already in early mornings and evenings, and with the first snow just around the corner, we recommend switching to winter tires for your Hyundai sooner rather than later.
Key considerations regarding winter tires:
Tread Depth: Winter tires should have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. Starting the winter season with tires that have a depth of about 4.8 mm ensures they'll last and perform at their best throughout the season. Measuring tools and wear indicators on the tires can help determine this depth.
Winter Wheels: Combining your winter tires with dedicated winter wheels is a smart move. It not only protects your fancier summer wheels from winter hazards, such as curbs hidden under snow, but also might let you opt for a slightly smaller wheel size. This could mean more affordable winter tires and better performance due to the increased tire depth.
Connect with us today to find the ideal winter tire solution for your Hyundai. We're here to guide you every step of the way.