Gyro Hyundai | Winter Tire Guide

Winter Tire Guide

Stay safe this winter with the right tires for your Hyundai. Our expert technicians at Gyro Hyundai can help you choose and install the perfect winter tires for your vehicle.

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Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Winter Tires

They're built with a special rubber that stays flexible even when it's freezing cold outside
The deeper tread patterns are like having better shoes for walking in snow - they grip better
You'll stop up to 18 meters shorter at highway speeds - that's like stopping a whole car length sooner
They keep their grip even when it's -35°C outside - perfect for Canadian winters
The larger grooves and tread blocks are designed to bite into snow and ice
Those tiny razor-like "sipes" in the tread help you stay in control on icy roads
They're actually tested in snow, not just designed to look like they work in snow

All-Season Tires

They start to stiffen up when it gets below 7°C - like trying to run in stiff shoes
The tread patterns are shallower, which means less grip in snow and ice
You'll need more space to stop in winter conditions
They're like a jack-of-all-trades - okay in many conditions, but not great in any
Designed more for a quiet ride than for winter performance
The M+S (Mud and Snow) label just means they look like they should work in snow

Performance Data

18m
Shorter stopping distance at 60 km/h
-35°C
Maintains gripping power

We've tested it ourselves - when you're driving at highway speeds (60 km/h), winter tires can help you stop up to 18 meters sooner. That's like stopping a whole car length shorter! Even at slower speeds on ice (24 km/h), you'll stop half to a full car length sooner than with all-season tires.

Installation Guidelines

Always install winter tires on all four wheels - it's like wearing proper winter boots on both feet
Get dedicated winter wheels - it makes switching between seasons quick and easy
Keep an eye on your tire pressure - it's like checking your blood pressure, important for health
Regularly check your tread depth - it's your tire's grip on the road

Remember: In Quebec, winter tires are required by law on all wheels from December 15th to March 15th. But even if you're not in Quebec, it's still the safest choice for winter driving.

Understanding Tire Symbols

Mud + Snow Symbol

M+S (Mud and Snow) Symbol

This symbol just means the tire has a tread pattern that looks like it should work in snow. It's like saying a shoe has a tread pattern - doesn't mean it's actually good for walking in snow!

Mountain Snowflake Symbol

Mountain/Snowflake Symbol

This is the real deal! Tires with this symbol have been tested and proven to perform at least 110% better in snow than standard tires. It's like having a certification that these tires actually work in winter conditions.

Wheel Options

Steel Wheels

The classic winter wheel choice - tough and reliable
They come with a special black finish that resists rust
Great value for money - they do the job without breaking the bank

Alloy Wheels

15-20% lighter than steel - like wearing lighter shoes for better performance
Your car will handle better and respond more quickly to steering
They look great and come with a rust-free finish
Better acceleration and braking - every little bit helps in winter

Winter Tire Maintenance

Tire Pressure

Check your pressure in the morning when tires are cold - it's like taking your temperature first thing in the morning
For every 5.6°C drop in temperature, you lose 1 PSI - it's like your tires getting a cold
Keep them at the pressure recommended in your manual - it's like following a doctor's prescription
Don't forget the valve caps - they're like keeping your coat zipped up in winter

Tread Depth

The legal minimum is 2/32" - but that's like walking on ice with smooth-soled shoes
For good snow performance, you want 6/32" or more - like having proper winter boots
Use a tread depth gauge or check the indicator bars - it's like checking your shoe soles
Check different spots on each tire - wear isn't always even

Alignment and Wear

Winter tires are more susceptible to irregular wear. Have your alignment checked twice yearly:

Camber (vertical tilt) affects edge wear
Toe settings affect straight-line stability
Follow manufacturer's recommended settings
Check alignment when switching between winter and all-season tires

Ready for Winter?

Visit Gyro Hyundai at 127 Laird Drive, Toronto ON M4G 3V4 for expert winter tire installation and maintenance.

Prices not applicable in Quebec. Price represents the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Price excludes environmental excise fees (where applicable), freight, PDE (full tank of fuel, floor mats and installed block heater cord), air and tire levies, license, registration, insurance, duties, and applicable taxes. Dealer may charge additional administration fees, which may vary by dealer. Dealership may sell for less. Equipment, specifications and price are subject to change without notice.

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