January 17, 2012 2:28 PM | By Petrina Gentile for MSN Autos
10 ways to prepare yourself for winter driving

Invest in winter tires



Invest in winter tires (© Photo: Steve Smith/Taxi/Getty Images)
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  • 10 tips to prepare yourself for winter driving (© Photo:)
  • Invest in winter tires (© Photo: Steve Smith/Taxi/Getty Images)
  • Check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly (© Photo: PhotoAlto/James Hardy/Getty Images)
  • Check your battery (© Photo: Greg Ceo/Stone+/Getty Images)
  • Replace windshield wiper blades annually (© Photo: Frank Cezus/Photographer's Choice/Getty Images)
  • Keep an emergency kit on hand (© Photo:)
  • Keep the gas tank full (© Photo: Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images)
  • Wash your car often (© Photo: Dorothy Riess MD/The Image Bank/Getty Images)
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Tires are your car's only connection to the road — so keep safe this winter by investing in a good set of snow tires. "You definitely need some sort of mountain snow-flake rated tire, which is Rubber Association of Canada approved and meets or exceeds industry standards for snow and ice traction. If you want to be safe in winter and avoid accidents you want winter tires," says Melissa Arbour, Category Business Manager of Tires, Canadian Tire.

Despite the name, all-season tires won't cut it. Winter tires can offer up to 50 per cent more winter traction than all-season tires. Winter tire tread grooves are 30 per cent deeper and have more bite than all-season tires. They also retain rubber elasticity for better traction and control, even in -30 degree temperatures.

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Top vehicles for winter driving in Canada
Choosing the right winter tire for your car
10 reliable winter beaters

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