Winter Tires

[Qashqai]

Hello everyone,

This weekend I bought a new Rogue and it came with 4 season tires on it. I am living in Ottawa, Ontario and the temperature sometimes drops to -30C (not mentioning freezing rains, black ice, etc). Now it is Feb 20th, do you think I need to go and get a set of Winter tires NOW?

I WILL go and get a new set next Winter for sure, but asking especially the Canadians: Do you think after February 20th I will need a set of Winter tires?

I am living in the city and the City of Ottawa works great by cleaning the snow immediately. For the first 3000Km (the break-in period) I wont make too much speed , so nothing to worry about "brake distance" after "high speeds".

Thank you.

[kerrton]

Life is basically about analyzing risk and deciding what level of risk you are comfortable with. Every time you get into your car to drive you're taking a risk, but one that you're willing to accept because travel is required and risks are low enough that you're comfortable accepting them. The same with crossing the street, which would be the most common example - you aren't going to avoid crossing the street because you heard of a pedestrian getting run over (of if you do avoid these types of activities and hide in your house, are you really living?).

I live in Alberta and the past 3 or 4 winters have been by far the absolute worst in my lifetime, tons of snow and consistent temps colder than -20 and too many -30 days with deep snow. This is my third full winter running on my stock Continental tires on my FWD Rogue and even though these tires have received a lot of criticism, I have found this vehicle as a whole to be amazing in winter conditions (although at 42,000 km they are probably past their useful winter life). I will continue to run these for the rest of the winter and replace them towards the fall, and am comfortable with this.

If I were in your situation with brand new tires, lots of tread and newer rubber compound, I'd be very comfortable driving through a few weeks of winter. But it all comes down to your level of comfort.

[Qashqai]

Thank you fro your reply Kerrton.

You are absolutely right about taking risks...Normally, I would prefer to buy new set of winter tires and rims. However, after paying the down payment, I started to prefer taking more risks

Have a wonderful weekend.