Although there is no legal requirement for winter tires in Saskatchewan, SGI recommends switching to winter tires as the tread is ideal for giving you maximum traction and control.
“It’s a night and day difference in the compounding and construction of the tire,” said Graham Pfeifer, a partner at Graham’s Tires in Regina.
There are three different grades of tires: all-season, all-weather, and winter tires.
“The way I like to think of it is all-seasons are technically a three-season tire or good for populations down south for the weather they get but not good for here in Saskatchewan,” said Pfeifer.
Softer rubber compounds stay pliable in sub-zero temperatures. “Tire manufacturers are always trying to balance durability and pliability,” said Pfeifer.
Transport Canada advises that at temperatures below seven degrees Celsius, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity leading to less traction.
The biggest benefits to using winter tires are “sheer traction, improved braking distance, and confidence on the road,” said Pfeifer. “More safety.”
With so many options of winter tires to choose from a more inexpensive range to a high-end range, Pfeifer suggests that it really depends on how you use them or when you change them out.
“Even a cheaper winter tire will greatly improve traction control,” said Pfeifer.
Winter tires are comparable in price with any all-season or all-weather tire ranging from $100-$600 per tire depending on the vehicle and size of the tire.
Pfeifer offers a tip by noting “It’s ideal to put the winter tires on in October and don’t wait until it snows.”
“There are many people that say winter tires are a hoax and they’ve run all-seasons their whole life,” said Pfeifer. “But most people never go back after they’ve run winter tires once.”
Cumis Cooperators, a Canadian insurance company, notes on its website that the cost of forgoing winter tires to save money is not comparable when you consider their performance. The latest generation of winter tires maintain their flexibility and provide up to 50 per cent more traction than all-season tires.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada 2022 Winter Tire Report, available online, identified that winter tire usage is up by 70 per cent citing “safety” as a key factor for drivers who use winter tires.
Winter tires are an essential part of safe winter driving. They help prevent collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
Pfeifer added that “most manufacturers do not offer any mileage warranty on winter tires.”
Graham’s Tire Service established in 1985 by Pfeifer’s stepfather. Back then it served commercial vehicles only. In 1998 they moved to serving passenger vehicles. Pfeifer got involved in the company in 2005. It has been a family business from the start and now Pfeifer and his brother own and operate the company together. They have now moved into their new building at 359 Mill St. in Regina.
