Why I Use Winter Tires

                 I have to admit, when I got my first car I didn't have a lot of money. I was only 19 years old and worked 3 to 4 part time jobs to support myself. Between rent, car loan, insurance and other monthly expenses I wasn't left with much to pay for other things.  Winter tires were a luxury that I couldn't afford. Besides, I thought all seasons were good in the snow.  As a result, I was one very nervous winter driver. I remember getting in my car (after banging the solenoid with a wrench to get it to start) and literally shaking with fear as I navigated my way through the icy roads to make it home. Every time I came to an intersection I hoped and prayed that I would be able to stop, and again when it was time to start I pleaded with my car to get me going and not sit there with my tires spinning on ice. I only drove when I absolutely had to.

                My winter driving experience went on like this for a few years and I just surrendered myself to not being a good winter driver and got accustom to having my heart in my throat every time I had to go anywhere. Then, something changed. I had my first child and suddenly everything had taken on new meaning. Incorporating the cost of winter tires became a necessity instead of a luxury. There was no way I was going to take any risks with precious cargo on board.

                With my new winter tires on and my little bundle of joy safely secured in his car seat, I set out on those horrific roads. As always I was nervous, even more so now.  But there was something different about this experience. As I made my way along the streets I realized I could stop and start...virtually whenever I wanted.  I could feel the tightness in my chest from anxiety slowly start to subside, my hands stopped shaking and I could breathe again.

                It didn't happen overnight but each time I ventured out it got easier and easier. Learned how to control my vehicle better at intersections and I no longer was a shut in during the winter months. Those tires changed my perspective about winter driving and gave me more confidence on the roads. The best thing was that I realized I wasn't a bad winter driver, I just didn't have the right equipment for the job.

                 Now with the knowledge that I have about the benefits of using winter tires I can’t believe that I didn't make them more of a priority in my early driving years. After all, I live in Northern Canada and winter road conditions are a part of life here. Even though I was strapped for cash, I should have found a way to make it work.

                So with this being said, my advice is if you drive in the winter invest in winter tires. Sure All Seasons sound like they would be enough, but they are not. Winter tires are made specifically to handle ice, snow, slush and sub zero temperatures in a way that other tires just can’t compete.  There are ways to make them more affordable; look for pre and post season sales or check Kijiji or the buy and sell for lightly used ones.  Also you could budget to put away a bit each month to save up. It’s worth it.

-Muriel Rolufs