Uniroyal's winter checklist

Tread safely this winter with tips and advice contained in Uniroyal's winter preparedness checklist.

New technology and advanced rubber compounds have helped Uniroyal engineers create winter tires that offer traction and handling safety in snow, ice and slushy, wet winter conditions.

New rubber compounds remain flexible in cold temperatures. Improved safety margins and stopping power of 7% to 10% over all-season tires.

Always look for Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) mountain snowflake symbols which ensure excellent traction in severe snow conditions.

Log onto www.uniroyal.ca to see which winter tires they recommend for your vehicle.

Installation

Uniroyal research shows most Canadians wait until the first major snowfall to install winter tires. To ensure you're prepared for any condition, Uniroyal recommends they be changed in the fall. For southern Ontario, it's recommended by the end of November. So if you haven't already done so, look into it asap.

Uniroyal engineers also recommend installing four winter tires, not just two. Avoid mixing tires with different tread patterns and wear.

If only two are installed, make sure you put them on the rear for the best lateral control. This holds true for frontwheel drive sedans and four-wheel-drive SUVs.

Proper inflation is a critical part of tire care and should be checked monthly. For every five-degree temperature drop, you lose one extra pound of air pressure, so it's especially important to check your air pressure after the first frost. Properly inflated tires also ensure optimum fuel efficiency.