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It's time to start thinking about snow tires: OPP

'All-season tires don't work the same on snow, ice or cold pavement,' said OPP in a news release
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East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police are encouraging drivers to prepare for the winter season.

They say a key part of road safety is proper surface traction.

“All-season tires don't work the same on snow, ice or cold pavement,” said OPP in a news release.

“The stopping distance of a car with winter tires can be 30 to 40 per cent shorter than one with all-season tires.”

That’s because the rubber compound of a winter tire is designed to stay soft in freezing temperatures.

“The tread compound used in all-season tires offers little cold weather traction and becomes hard, losing pliability and traction in freezing temperatures,” OPP added.

“Winter (snow) tires, however, are designed to help deliver safety and control in snow, slush, rain, ice and cold weather.”

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All-wheel drive is also helpful during the winter, but it aids acceleration, not traction needed for stopping or turning.

And even with winter tires and all-wheel drive, people still need to slow down and adjust to the conditions.

“The number one cause of motor vehicle collisions during snowy conditions is speed,” police stated. “Drivers going too fast for road and weather conditions. Remember - ice and snow - keep it slow!”