All about the Winter Wheels http://www.wheelsottawa.ca/wheels/winter-tire-deals.html The wheels are an important part of a vehicle, they are essential for the driver to be able to control a vehicle safely. Normal wheels will not be able to provide that to driver during the winter season. During the cold season, especially winter, normal tires are incapable of keeping the vehicle on the road that is why you will have to change the normal tires and put the winter wheels. Winter
wheels are designed to provide better handling, traction and braking.
There are two types of wheels readily available for consumer, which are wheels made from steel and wheels made from aluminum (Pep Boys). Steel wheels are economical and cheap because they are mass produced, but unfortunately after a few years they may rust. Aluminium wheels come in different styles and designs and color with fitments for every vehicle. During winter, both aluminum and steel are prone to the harsh conditions. The wheels must be covered with rubber tires so as to make them functional on a vehicle. The razor thin grooves within the tread, which are also known as Sipes, create a biting effect on the snow and ice. The wide grooves allow snow and slush to pass through preventing it from reaching the surface.They are made of a softer kind of rubber which allows the tire to grip the road better than
brittle rubber. Winter tires provide better control for all vehicles (CBS news). Without Winter
Tires
Ottawa you would most likely to spin out in corners and icy hills. All four wheels must be changed to winter tires.The misconception that the drivers’ wheels, the front tires and rear wheels for the rear wheel drive is as good as four is a mistake.
Tires are constructed by compressing several layers of rubber therefore they require a break-in period before they reach maximum performance. Modern winter tires get maximum traction at 40-50% slippage levels. If you spin the winter tires on a snowy road in a controlled manner, then you will get better traction from them. The downside of using winter tires is that the tread pattern and softer rubbers make winter tires susceptible to irregular wear. The camber and toe settings of a vehicle can influence tire wear. Camber is the slight inclination of the wheels of a vehicle and the toe is the angle of the tires at each end of the same axle. Winter tires are also a little bit more expensive than normal tires (winter tires provide better control).
Studs and chains can be used, but it depends with the laws of a particular area. In most areas studs are prohibited because they destroy the roads at the same time introducing toxins into the air. After installing new winter tires, your car will feel different on the road. Studs or no studs, you must choose the right wheels for your vehicle during the cold winter.