4 lesser-known winter tire brands to discover
The December 1 deadline for installing your winter tires has passed (except for certain exemptions). Are you an outlaw? This negligence could not only jeopardize your safety but also hurt your wallet: a fine of $200 to $300 is provided for drivers who fail to comply with the regulations.
We've previously identified three mistakes to avoid for latecomers to winter tires, as well as our recommendations for car and light truck models. You may also need a new set of tires if you change vehicles in the coming months.
Here, we'd like to introduce you to four lesser-known winter tire brands in Quebec that have proven their worth. They may be harder to find, but they're worth discovering.
Gislaved
Founded in 1983, this manufacturer based in the Swedish town of the same name is now a subsidiary of the German Continental AG group. It offers tires for passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks, and winter tires for extreme weather conditions. It's a brand renowned for safety, quality and durability.
Its most popular model is the Nordfrost 200, which provides excellent grip, particularly on icy roads, thanks to its Eco Tri-Star stud system. Also noteworthy is the asymmetrical tread pattern with 3D sipes distributed across the entire tread.
Vredestein
Established in 1946, the Dutch manufacturer became best known in 1999 for its Sportrac tire, designed by one of the most prolific automotive designers in history, Giorgetto Giugaro. Design and attention to detail are very important to this brand.
Today, its winter tires offer excellent handling on snow-covered roads, as well as a quiet ride. Its Wintrac Pro model is suitable for a variety of surfaces, thanks to advanced siping technology and a unique tread pattern that enhances contact with the road. The Plus version of the same tire is aimed at large or high-performance SUVs.
Nexen
Nexen's tradition in tires dates back to 1942. It was the first Korean company to start producing car tires in 1956. It later developed its technologies through an alliance with Japanese manufacturer OHTSU Tyre & Rubber. Nexen patented a laminated silicate gum/nano-composite tire in 2005, which has greatly helped the company in terms of visibility and market share.
Its flagship winter model is the Winguard, available in several versions, including Snow, Sport and Winspike (studded). The former features a tread pattern with wide grooves and biting edges, improving grip on slippery surfaces. In addition, its high-density multi-siping design enhances braking performance and speeds up the evacuation of water and slush.
Riken
Owned by Michelin, this 100-year-old Japanese brand entered the North American market in 1979. It produces a range of tires for passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, with models of respectable quality at competitive prices.
Its main winter tire is available with or without studding. The tread is densely grooved for better water evacuation. Quiet running is another advantage of this tire.
